EU member countries have failed to reach a consensus to impose more sanctions on Russia and the Syrian government. 

Britain and France sought to persuade the bloc to condemn Russia's air campaign in Syria and impose more sanctions on the Syrian government, but met resistance from Greece, Cyprus and Hungary among others. They are considered Russia's allies in the EU.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said the pressure must be strong to stop the massacre in Aleppo. While those against the appeal say a further escalation is unnecessary.

EU leaders are set to discuss the issue on Thursday. Russia is the EU's biggest energy supplier. The West imposed broad economic sanctions on Moscow in 2014 over the Crimea issue and its support for rebels in Ukraine.