(CNN) -- European leaders are meeting in Brussels Thursday to discuss further sanctions against Russia. So far the EU has imposed financial and visa restrictions against 21 carefully selected Russian and Ukrainian officials -- but avoided anyone from President Vladimir Putin's inner circle and stayed clear of any large-scale economic sanctions. The EU and U.S. have condemned Russian annexation of Crimea as illegal and stepped up their rhetoric towards the Kremlin, but whether they are willing to put more economic pressure on Russia is unclear. The leaders of Europe's biggest economies are likely to be cautious. Here's why. How important is Russia's economy?
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European leaders are discussing further economic sanctions against Russia
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The United States and Europe targeted 28 Russian and Ukrainian officials
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Tight economic links between Russia and the EU could mean sanctions hurt both sides
On the flip-side, the @placeholder is Russia's fifth largest partner, with just $11 billion worth of trade.