Maas calls for 'clear' EU position against Russia

Germany's Foreign Minister has called for the EU to maintain a "clear" position and "stick to principles" when it comes to dealing with Russia.

"The united response by the EU is a strong signal," said Heiko Maas after meeting his French and Polish counterparts.

The European Union on Thursday imposed sanctions on six Russian officials and one organization over the poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny with a Soviet-era nerve agent.

The move came a day after Russia's foreign minister warned that Moscow might respond with similar measures.

Maas renewed calls for Russia to explain itself, "more than what has been the case so far."

The sanctions were agreed upon among the 27 EU envoys to Brussels.

"The adopted restrictive measures consist of a travel ban to the EU and an asset freeze for individuals, and an asset freeze for the entity," the EU said in a statement.

The list includes two high level officials in the Presidential Executive Office, a director of the federal security service and two deputy ministers in the Russian defense ministry. The EU is also targeting the State Scientific Research Institute for Organic Chemistry and Technology.

EU foreign ministers agreed on Monday to impose the sanctions, following a push by France and Germany to freeze the assets of those suspected of involvement and ban them from travelling in Europe under sanctions to combat the use and spread of chemical weapons.

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