Berlin (Reuters) – The lobby group representing German businesses with interests in eastern Europe has defended the business activities of member companies in sanctioned Russia. There are a number of sectors “in which further economic activity is not only lawful but also legitimate”, said committee chairman Oliver Hermes on Tuesday. “Russia, like Ukraine, supplies the world market with much-needed agricultural products such as grain,” Hermes said. “Sanctions in this area would lead to further shortages and price increases, and hit the poorest countries in particular.” There’s also the matter o…