Possible cancellation of sanctions against Russia after its recognition of 'elections' in LPR and DPR ruled out - German government spokesman

Germany does not understand the official recognition by Russia of the so-called "elections" in the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, German government spokesman Steffen Seibert has said.

"It is all the more incomprehensible that there are official Russian voices that are respecting or even recognizing these so-called elections," - the diplomat said at a briefing.

He added that the possible cancellation by the European Union of economic sanctions against Russia in such a situation in southeast Ukraine was ruled out and that the sanctions could be tightened if the situation in the region worsens.

Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying that Moscow respects the choice made by people of southeastern Ukraine in the November 2 elections and is prepared to further support efforts aimed at settling the Ukrainian crisis.

"The elections in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions were well-organized in general and drew a high voter turnout. We respect the choice made by residents of the southeast," reads the statement.

"In the context of these elections, it is imperative to take active steps to establish a sustainable dialogue between the central Ukrainian authorities and representatives of Donbas in line with the Minsk agreements. We are ready to work together with our international partners and continue to make a constructive contribution to the settlement of the crisis in Ukraine," the ministry said.