EU, U.S. ready to step up sanctions if Ukraine ceasefire violated - EU

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Western leaders warned Russia on Tuesday they would step up sanctions if there were further violations of a ceasefire agreement in Ukraine, the European Union said.

After U.S. President Barack Obama held a video conference with leaders of France, Germany, Britain, Italy and European Council President Donald Tusk, the EU said they had agreed there was a close link between sanctions and the full implementation of the Minsk ceasefire agreements in Ukraine.