Ukraine foreign minister calls for more sanctions against Russia: 'Hit hard. Hit now.'

The foreign minister of Ukraine urged countries to impose more economic sanctions on Russia. Hit more. Hit now.

To stop Putin from further aggression, we call on partners to impose more sanctions on Russia. We are grateful for the first steps taken yesterday. The pressure needs to be on to stop Putin. Hit his cronies. Hit more. Hit hard. Hit now.

European Union countries agreed to impose a first round of sanctions against Russia after the US and UK imposed harsh sanctions. The European Union needs all 27 member countries to agree on the plans before they can be implemented.

The sanctions came a day after Putin ordered troops into eastern Ukraine to prepare for a possible attack.

Russian financial institutions are among the targets of the US sanctions.

The foreign minister said that the UK can escalate its sanctions against Russia if they continue their actions in Ukraine.

If Russia takes further action in Ukraine, Australia will impose sanctions.