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EU President Tusk warns of new sanctions for rebels, Russia, if Ukraine peace deal collapses

Associated Press
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Members of the European Parliament discuss the decision adopted on a strategic framework for the Energy Union during a plenary session at the European Parliament in Brussels on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert) (The Associated Press)

European Council President Donald Tusk talks during a plenary session at the European Parliament in Brussels on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert) (The Associated Press)

European Council President Donald Tusk talks during a plenary session at the European Parliament in Brussels on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert) (The Associated Press)

European Union President Donald Tusk warns that the EU will not hesitate to impose new punishment on the separatists and Russia if the latest Ukraine peace deal collapses.

Tusk told the EU legislature on Wednesday that "additional sanctions remain on the table. We should be ready for any development — good or bad."

Ukraine says it will not begin pulling back heavy weapons under the peace deal until the latest cease-fire firmly takes hold. Rebels said Tuesday they were beginning a pullback, but the claim could not be independently confirmed.

Tusk said that since the Feb. 15 deadline to start the ceasefire, there had been some 800 violations.

The EU has imposed visa bans and asset freezes on 151 individuals and 37 entities and hit Russia with economic measures.