EU ready to escalate Russia sanctions if no progress in Ukraine
The European Union plans to tighten sanctions against Russia if there is no progress in ending the conflict in Ukraine this week, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared that the European Union is prepared to implement stricter sanctions against Russia if no steps are taken in the coming days towards ending the war in Ukraine.
"We are waiting for the consent of Russian President Vladimir Putin and agree that if there is no real progress this week, we want to cooperate on a European level to significantly tighten sanctions," Merz said during a press conference with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Berlin.
Sanctions will target the energy and financial sectors
Merz emphasised that the sanctions may cover key areas such as the energy sector and the financial market. Head of the German Chancellery Thorsten Frei noted on WELT television that Vladimir Putin must receive a clear signal of the determination of Europeans and Americans.
Frei added that a ceasefire is a necessary condition for starting meaningful talks.
"It's hard to imagine how to discuss finding a way out of this difficult situation if the civilian population is being bombed at the same time," stated CDU politician.
Call for a ceasefire
On Saturday, the leaders of Ukraine, Poland, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom called on Moscow to unconditionally accept a 30-day ceasefire, threatening sanctions on the Russian energy and banking sectors. The truce proposal was supported by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Vladimir Putin proposed direct talks with Ukraine on Sunday regarding ending the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared readiness for negotiations in Turkey, where he will await Putin.
