"I long believe that we need to talk more to [Russian President] Vladimir Putin on behalf of the Europeans, not only about Ukraine, but about their [Russians] role to the south of Europe", Michel told reporters before the EU summit.
He added that the sanctions against Russia were imposed in a spirit of solidarity. "But must we take further steps in the issue of sanctions if there is a threat of escalation? It's a very important question that we should discuss today", he stated.
The European Union and its allies introduced several rounds of anti-Russia sanctions over Crimea rejoining Russia in 2014 and over Moscow's alleged involvement in the conflict between the eastern Ukrainian militia and Kiev. Russia has repeatedly refuted the allegations, warning that the Western sanctions are counterproductive and undermine global stability.
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