(VOVworld) - German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said on Sunday that the European Union should gradually phase out sanctions against Russia for the Ukraine crisis if substantial progress is made in the peace process.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier talked about phasing out sanctions against Russia  (source: VNA)

Steinmeier told a network of local newspapers that he is in favor of gradually lifting sanctions should there be improvements in implementing the Minsk peace plan. In other interviews last weekend, Steinmeier criticized NATO’s decision to stage military maneuvers this month in Eastern Europe, warning that such moves could increase tensions with Russia.