Kerry says Russia sanctions could end if Putin takes right steps

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry delivers remarks during a news conference at the U.S. Embassy in London December 16, 2014. REUTERS/Evan Vucci/Pool

LONDON (Reuters) - Russia has made constructive moves in recent days towards reducing tensions in Ukraine, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Tuesday, and he raised the possibility that Washington could lift sanctions if Moscow keeps taking positive steps.

Speaking in London, Kerry said the United States and Europe could lift sanctions within days or weeks if President Vladimir Putin keeps taking steps to ease tensions and lives up to commitments under ceasefire accords to end the Ukraine conflict.