German FM urges caution over Russia sanctions

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has expressed concern that EU sanctions against Moscow over Ukraine could further destabilize Russia. The German minister warned against "turning the screw" any further, Deutsche Welle reports.

Steinmeier's comments to Der Spiegel made on Friday suggested a possible softening in his stance on the issue of sanctions.

The minister noted that the plummeting of the ruble currency and sliding energy prices had created an economic and financial crisis in Russia. The minister, whose party has traditionally favored detente with Moscow, warned that it should not be allowed to get out of hand.

"It cannot be in our interests that this runs out of control," he said. "We need to keep this in mind in our sanctions policy."