In spite of the fact that large sums have disappeared along with the forfeited freight volumes, the EU member nations have agreed to maintain the tough stance against Russia including economic sanctions, explains Denmark's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kristian Jensen, after a meeting of the European Union's foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday.

The ministers did not make any new decisions, but they did confirm that they agree on the stance which had otherwise been challenged previously by individual countries. Concern of a possible split was put to rest on Monday, says Kristian Jensen.