Germany urges ceasefire, threatens tougher Russia sanctions
Friedrich Merz, the new Chancellor of Germany, is calling for a 30-day ceasefire in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In the absence of a response from Putin, he promises to intensify sanctions.
What do you need to know?
- The new German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, is calling for a 30-day ceasefire in the war between Russia and Ukraine. This appeal was made during a visit to Kyiv, where Merz met with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.
- In the absence of a response from Putin, Germany is promising to intensify sanctions. Merz emphasised that NATO is ready for a coordinated response, and support for Ukraine will include political, financial, and military assistance.
- The visit of European leaders to Kyiv aims to showcase unity in support of Ukraine. The meeting was also attended by the UK's Head of Government, Keir Starmer, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and French President Emmanuel Macron.
What are the chances of a ceasefire?
During his visit to Kyiv, Friedrich Merz reiterated his call for a 30-day ceasefire in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
"The message is: we are here together. At the same time, with the same message: we support Ukraine. We act in agreement with the American government and Donald Trump. We are calling for a 30-day ceasefire so that peace negotiations can be prepared in the meantime. The ball is now in Putin's court. Putin must respond to this offer," stated Merz in an interview with "Bild".
Merz noted that if the Russian leader does not respond to the ceasefire proposal, NATO is ready for a coordinated response. In such a case, there will be a strengthening of sanctions and increased support for Ukraine, including political, financial, and military aid. The American government, with which Berlin is acting in agreement, also supports such a solution.
Will Putin respond to Germany's offer?
Chancellor Merz does not rule out direct talks with Putin if they would help end the war. However, he emphasised that it is first necessary to see if the goal of a ceasefire can be achieved after the weekend. In relations with the USA, Merz noted a "surprisingly high level of agreement" in assessing the situation and in actions undertaken jointly with Washington.
On Friday evening, Merz declared on platform X that Berlin would continue to increase support for Ukraine until Russia agrees to a permanent ceasefire. "We will continue to increase pressure on the Russian war machine," assured Merz.
