Berlin. December 19. INTERFAX - New sanctions against Russia in connection with the situation around Ukraine should be directed against the immediate leaders of the Russian Federation, German Defense Minister Kristine Lambrecht said.
"We have to use the whole set of tools that we have. At the moment, we have to target Putin and his entourage. Those responsible for aggression should feel the personal consequences," she said in an interview with Bild.
Lambrecht also expressed concern about the buildup of the Russian military presence near the borders with Ukraine, so she chose Lithuania as the country for her first trip as head of the German Defense Ministry - to the location of the NATO rapid reaction forces.
"It is clear that the aggressor is Russia. We must take every opportunity to stop the escalation of the situation. This includes the introduction of tough sanctions," the minister stressed.
She was also asked about her readiness to send Bundeswehr troops to Ukraine.
