The European Union called on Russia on Wednesday to avoid worsening the crisis in Ukraine or face further sanctions.
The EU also said it wants to continue negotiations on a free-trade deal with Japan, which officials see as crucial for economic growth.
"We call on Russia to refrain from any steps to further destabilize Ukraine, instead to engage in a diplomatic resolution of the crisis," European Council President Herman Van Rompuy told a news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe following a summit in Brussels.
"Further steps in destabilizing Ukraine will call for additional sanctions," Van Rompuy said.
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