German foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier spoke against long-term isolation of Russia from the EU because of the conflict in the East of Ukraine.

Relations between Russia and the West deteriorated in connection with the situation in Ukraine. In July last year, the EU and the US from point penalties against private individuals and organizations turned to measures against entire sectors of the Russian economy. In response, Russia has restricted the import of food items from countries that have introduced in relation to punishment, and among them from the EU.

"I don't count on long-term isolation of Russia from the European Union. The search for political solutions may take several years, even decades, but we must do everything in their power to resolve the conflict, " said Steinmeier in an interview to the newspaper.

He added that the economic punishment is necessary as a means of pressure.

The Minister also tried to convince to give Ukraine more help, noting that to assess the real needs of the country's finances not possible.

sections: Politics