BERLIN
Ukraine and the EU are to sign a partnership deal on March 21, according to the German government's spokesperson, Steffen Seibert.
"We see this as a significant signal to support Ukraine, but also a clear signal to Russia,” he said.
Seibert added that Germany would not recognize Crimea as part of Russia and the annexation would mean Russia being isolated in the international community.
"Russia is pursuing an internationally isolated path and this puts the coexistence of European countries in danger," he continued.
Citing the G7 meeting in The Hague next week during the nuclear security summit, Seibert said the meeting would not replace the planned G8 summit in Sochi, Russia.
Meanwhile, Ukraine relinquished its presidency of the Commonwealth of Independence Nations; a regional organization participated in by states that broke away from Soviet Union, as a move to cut off ties with Russia.
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