The European Union has prepared a reliable and comprehensive" package of sanctions that could be imposed against Russia if it "continues its aggression against Ukraine, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen told Handeslblatt and Les Echos newspapers.

According to her, the EU has prepared a credible and comprehensive package of financial and economic sanctions.

The controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline across the Baltic Sea was also part of the sanctions package. Whether the pipeline can be put into operation depends on Russia's behavior, von der Leyen said. People close to Russian President Vladimir Putin and the oligarchs can certainly get hurt, she added.