Merkel throws more shade at Putin, but sides with Russia against Ukraine entering NATO

BERLIN, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel offered strong words for Russian President Vladimir Putin while addressing the Bundestag,saying there's no excuse for Putin's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.

"We need patience and staying power to overcome the crisis," Merkel declared in Berlin Tuesday, categorizing economic sanctions against Russia as "unavoidable" until Putin and the Ukraine establish an actual meaningful cease-fire.

Despite open condemnation of Putin's actions, Merkel did not offer unilateral support for the Ukrainian government. Merkel has expressed sympathy for Russia's concerns about the Ukraine's free trade agreement with European Union and, like Putin, opposes Urkaine's bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization -- a position also shared by France.

"In recent days there have been a number of statements from the Ukraine side that have not helped," echoed French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius in a statement delivered Tuesday.

Germany and France fear Ukraine's potential NATO membership could worsen already stressed tensions in Eastern Europe. Putin's ego aside, world leaders are also concerned Ukraine's fledgling government has not properly addressed internal corruption in manner befitting a would-be world power.

However, in Merkel's eyes, "None of this justifies or excuses Russia's annexation of Crimea."

"None of this justifies or excuses the direct or indirect participation in the fighting in Donetsk and Luhansk. Russia is breaching Ukraine's territorial integrity."