Germany urges West to tighten grip on Russia amid tensions
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius calls on the West to tighten sanctions against Russia and increase support for Ukraine after Russia's refusal to agree to a ceasefire.
What do you need to know?
- German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stressed the need to increase sanctions on Russia and provide more military support for Ukraine. His statement followed Russia's refusal to agree to a ceasefire.
- Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul indicated that Europe will not impose new sanctions on Russia immediately but is awaiting the outcome of Thursday’s meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian parties.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated his readiness to negotiate with Vladimir Putin in Turkey, emphasising that the talks would focus solely on ending the fighting.
Why must the West increase sanctions?
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius called for tougher sanctions against Russia and greater military support for Ukraine. His appeal followed Russia's refusal to agree to a ceasefire. Pistorius highlighted that Russian President Vladimir Putin behaves predictably in such situations. Speaking in Berlin, Pistorius stated that additional steps are needed both in terms of sanctions and in providing further support for Ukraine.
Will Europe impose new sanctions on Russia?
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul moderated expectations regarding the immediate imposition of new sanctions on Russia. He noted that Europe is awaiting Thursday’s meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian parties. Wadephul, speaking in Berlin, commented that he is awaiting Thursday, when a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian sides may take place.
What are Ukraine's plans for negotiations?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his readiness to negotiate with Vladimir Putin in Turkey. Zelensky emphasised that the negotiations would focus solely on ending the fighting. Zelensky’s advisor, Mykhailo Podolyak, mentioned that the Ukrainian president will discuss stopping the fighting only with Putin.
According to unofficial reports, Putin will not be in Istanbul.
