Germany key to Europe’s response to Crimean situation

The EU leaders have much to ponder as the crisis increases, writes Europe Correspondent Ann Cahill

EU leaders will consider their next step against Russia at their summit today and tomorrow in the full knowledge that this is a double edged sword in which everyone will suffer — including Ireland, where close to 4% of its foreign direct investment is in Russia.

Moscow has annexed Crimea, and there are thousands of Russian troops massed on Ukraine’s eastern border despite grave warnings from the EU and the US.