EU already planning 18th package of sanctions against Russia - Pistorius

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is convinced that pressure on Russia should be increased not only through financial and material support for Ukraine, but also through sanctions.

The defense minister called the new European Union sanctions against Russia a step in the right direction, but he called for tougher measures.

"Although the 17th package of sanctions, which was adopted now, has a certain effect, it should not be overestimated ... The EU is already planning an 18th package of sanctions against Russia," Pistorius said on Deutschlandfunk radio, noting that pressure on Moscow should be increased, including from the United States.