Putin’s decision yesterday is likely to further fuel the Russia-Ukraine conflict: The Russian president has recognized the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics in eastern Ukraine as independent states. This makes it possible to station Russian soldiers there. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced EU sanctions against Russia in response to the recognition of the Ukrainian territories. Ukraine had already wanted immediate punitive measures and received backing for this from the Baltic states. But some member states are calling for restraint. Sanctions should only be implemented if Russia actually attacks Ukraine – „but not before“, said a government spokesman in Berlin. Eric Bonse reports on the European discussion about the appropriate time for sanctions and gives an outlook on the planned punitive measures.