Francois Hollande
© AFP 2016/ MARTIN BUREAU
Where is logic? While Kiev is obliged to implement the Minsk deal but has not, French President Hollande wants Russia to do it, seemingly ignoring the fact that Moscow brokered the agreement but is not a part to the conflict.

French President Francois Hollande spoke in favor on Tuesday of extending anti-Russia sanctions until there was progress in situation in Ukraine. "Minsk agreements must be applied in Ukraine ... I support extension of the sanctions until there is progress, as does the chancellor [of Germany Angela Merkel]," Hollande said ahead of his meeting with the German leader.

Angela Merkel
© Sputnik/ Alexey Vitvitsky
The economic sanctions against Russia over the situation in Ukraine will have to be extended, the Minsk settlement process is proceeding with difficulties, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday.

"The Minsk process is difficult, so it will be necessary to once again extend the sanctions against Russia," Merkel told journalists in Berlin.