German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock ruled out a relaxation of sanctions on Moscow while speaking with citizens in Bremen.

She said that Germany “would be doubly subject to blackmail” if it were to ease sanctions.

Baerbock argued that this would amount to “an invitation to all those who trample on human rights, freedom and democracy”, as Russia had broken international law “in the most brutal way”.

Germany’s foreign minister said that Berlin will support Ukraine “as long as it needs us. And therefore, we will also maintain these sanctions and at the same time ensure that society is not divided in our country”.

Lawmakers from the left-wing Die Linke and far-right Alternative for Germany have called for the easing of sanctions as a way to reduce pressure on the German economy. Germany is heavily dependent on Russian gas.