France pushes for de-escalation of tensions in Crimea

France urges de-escalation of tensions in Ukraine after tensions have intensified over the past 48 hours.

France has strongly criticized Russia to approve the integration of Crimea in the Russian Federation and Paris warned more sanctions could follow the action from Moscow.

The EU imposed sanctions against 21 figures from Russia already Monday.

It is expected that additional measures will be discussed in Brussels on Thursday and Friday by EU officials.

French President François Hollande on Tuesday called on the EU to take a firm stance and produce a “strong response” to what he said was illegal Russian actions, particularly Crimea referendum last Sunday and the subsequent integration of the territory Russian language in Russia.