"Sanctions are a difficult option, we should be united in this, but we do not see a military option. Sanctions are already a strong signal," Beaune told France Inter broadcaster. 

The new round of EU sanctions followed recognition of the independence of the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Luhansk from Ukraine, adopted by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday. 

In the meantime, tensions in the breakaway region of Donbas continue to mount, with the republics reporting further shelling by the Ukrainian army. 

Last week, the local authorities announced general mobilization and launched the evacuation of Donbas civilians to Russia.