FRANKFURT (Reuters). German banks Tuesday called upon policy makers to insist that any new sanctions on Russia be “precise, unambiguous” so that financial companies can carry them out.

BdB’s German banking lobby made the statement as EU ambassadors met in Brussels to talk about a larger sanctions package. This was after Russian President Vladimir Putin sent troops into separatist regions of Eastern Ukraine.

After a meeting at Paris, European Union foreign ministers could decide to sanction Russia.

Russia’s greatest threat to Europe’s banks is particularly the ones in France, Italy and Austria.

European lenders have begun to prepare for tougher sanctions against Russia. Failure to comply could result in severe penalties.

Banks need to ensure that the sanctions they issue are clear and concise. The German banking association released a statement saying that they do not want to leave anyone in suspense.

Austria’s Raiffeisen Bank International has large Russian and Ukrainian operations. It stated that while business is normal now, it will not change if there is an increase in the situation. However, they have been working on crisis plans for the past several weeks.

ING of Netherlands, which is home to a substantial Russian presence, stated: “Another escalating war could have serious adverse consequences.”

Banks remain in uncertainty until the implementation of sanctions. A spokesperson for the European Banking Federation said that they are closely monitoring the situation.