Merz threatens Russia with sanctions if it does not agree to a lasting truce
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has threatened Russia with new sanctions if the Kremlin does not agree to a lasting ceasefire and peace talks with Ukraine in the near future. He made the statement during his first official visit to Brussels on May 9., reports Stern.
"We call on Russia to finally embark on the path of genuine peace talks. If this does not happen, we will not hesitate to further increase sanctions pressure together with our European partners and the United States," the German Chancellor said .
Before that, on May 8, Merz had a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump. During the conversation, he expressed support for Trump's plan for a 30-day truce.
German chancellor says Russia now has to agree to a longer ceasefire that should lead to a real peace deal.
Trump himself made a similar statement. After speaking with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on May 8, , he called for a 30-day silence and threatened sanctions.
- may 7 Merz speaks about the transfer of Taurus missiles and says Ukraine can count on Germany.
- May 8 Trump says will withdraw from talks, if Russia is "not in good faith".
- May 9 French President says he is ready to "react decisively", if Russia does not agree to a truce.
