As tensions between the European Union and Russia simmered, Finland on Tuesday dropped its former hesitation and backed EU moves to impose stiffer economic sanctions against Russia.

Finland, whose fragile economy is closely linked with Russia, supports its EU peers in adopting a more resolute policy response to Russia's actions over Ukraine, Finland's Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja said. Finnish leaders had over the past week been among those in the EU with reservations about major sanctions.

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