EU threatens to increase sanctions against Russia over Syria.

EU leaders are considering the possibility of increasing sanctions if Russia does not immediately cease its airstrike campaign in Aleppo.

This warning was issued at the two-day EU summit in Brussels, Belgium, which discussed the bloc's future strategy and issues of international concern.

Russia's continued airstrikes in Aleppo have become the pretext for the EU to increase sanctions against Russia. Photo: AP.

According to European Council President Donald Tusk, the EU is considering several “open options,” including increasing sanctions against Russia.

The draft statement from the summit indicated that the EU is leaning toward expanding sanctions against “those” who support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad if they do not immediately cease what the EU calls “war crimes” in Aleppo.

Ahead of the conference and following their meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Berlin, the French President and the German Chancellor also hinted that the EU would increase sanctions against Russia over the Syria issue.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel stressed the need to clarify Russia's responsibility in the worsening crisis in Syria and that the top priority now is for Russia and the Damascus government to immediately end their airstrike campaign in Aleppo.

The move by European leaders comes two days after Russian and Syrian air forces announced a temporary halt to airstrikes in Aleppo to create a safe corridor for civilian evacuation and facilitate humanitarian aid.

In addition, Russian President Putin also stated that Russia is ready to extend the ceasefire "for as long as possible," but this will depend on the situation on the ground.

According to VOV