Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel walk during a meeting in Rio de Janeiro July 13, 2014.
IN PHOTO: Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel walk during a meeting in Rio de Janeiro July 13, 2014. Reuters/Alexey Nikolsky

Angela Merkel, chancellor of Germany, has reiterated that Russia sanctions will not be lifted soon even though a military solution to the crisis in Ukraine is not in sight. Speaking in German Parlimanent on Thursday, Ms Merkel said Russia sanctions cannot be lifted under the present circumstances. Rather, the German leader called for patience with a long-term view. Flaying Russia, Ms Merkel said Russia might have concerns about Ukraine joining European Union, but that is no justification for Russia's annexation of Crimea.

"Nothing justifies or excuses the direct or indirect participation by Russia in the fighting in Donetsk and Luhansk, which are the separatist strongholds in eastern Ukraine", Ms Merkel said, reported New York Times.

Merkel said that Germany's goal is to keep Ukraine's sovereignty and integrity. In that direction, Russia's actions continue to threaten "the peaceful international order and adding to the breach of international law." To combat it, the European Union needs unity, she said.

Economic Realism

Meanwhile, Germany's economic realism was best evident at Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier's statement in the parliament. He said economic measures are already taking a toll on Russia, so European Union should not intensify them. Germany will take the lead in negotiations for defusing the eight-month conflict on Europe's eastern periphery. An economically isolated Russia would not help improve security, said the foreign minister, according to a report in Bloomberg.

For Germans, the FT reported, the Ukraine crisis signifies many bigger things. It is stoking fears that Moscow is trying to run its writ in many countries of eastern Europe, including the Balkans. The report said this concern was voiced by Ms Merkel, during her recent trip to Australia for the G20 summit. She said it was unthinkable to return to the days when Moscow could dictate decisions in other eastern European capitals. "It's not just about Ukraine, it's about Georgia. If this goes any further, will we have wonder about Serbia, about the western Balkans," the chancellor said.

Balkan Issues

Ms Merkel said Germany would respond, saying: "This is in no way in line with our values." German officials harbour the worry that Mr Putin is trying to target many other eastern states besides Ukraine, which are politically or economically vulnerable. They include former republic of Yugoslavia also. While Slovenia and Croatia are EU members, the other western Balkan countries are still trying to join.

Berlin fears even some existing EU members are vulnerable. Those with historic and economic links such as Bulgaria are susceptible to Moscow's pressures. Countries highly dependent on Russia for gas, like Slovakia, Hungary and nations with sizeable Russian minorities, such as Estonia and Latvia, are Russia's possible targets.