Chancellor Merz Threatens Russia with More Sanctions over Ukraine Conflict
Putin faces potential fresh penalties from Merz
In a bold move, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has put Russia on notice, threatening them with increased sanctions if they don't agree to a lasting ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict. During his inaugural visit to Brussels, Merz met with EU Council President António Costa and emphasized the importance of Russia cooperating for a genuine peace treaty. Merz's stance aligns with US President Donald Trump's proposal for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire.
Merz's telephonic conversation with Trump, held just two days after assuming office, revealed the US leader’s approval of a joint statement supporting the ceasefire proposal from leading European nations, including Germany, France, Poland, and the UK. In these talks, Merz made it clear that a 30-day ceasefire draft communication closely resembles Trump's proposal.
However, Merz has not shied away from stating that the ball is in Russia's court. He expressed his hope that this new opportunity for negotiations will be seen as a chance to bring all parties to the peace table. Merz is optimistic about increased pressure from Trump and anticipates constructive discussions following the weekend.
The EU is preparing its 17th package of sanctions against Russia, following the 16th package adopted in February 2025, indicating a sustained strategy aimed at exerting economic pressure on Moscow. The EU's broader approach includes a roadmap to end EU dependency on Russian energy by 2027, with the aim of halting all Russian gas imports by 2027 and dismantling Russia's "shadow fleet" used to evade sanctions. The UK, too, has introduced a new package of sanctions focused on Russia's energy sector.
In essence, the EU, backed by Germany under Chancellor Merz, is tightening the screws on Russia economically, with the aim of using the sanctions as atool to bring about peace in Ukraine. Merz and the EU leaders are not shying away from escalating economic pressure in the absence of a ceasefire agreement.
Sources: ntv.de, chl/dpa; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- Friedrich Merz
- Vladimir Putin
- Sanctions
- Ceasefire
- Donald Trump
- EU Sanctions and Energy Strategy
- UK Sanctions in Coordination with EU Efforts
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Role
- Context Related to Ceasefire in Ukraine
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz has threatened Russia with increased sanctions if they don't agree to a lasting ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict, aligning with US President Donald Trump's proposal for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire.
- Merz's stance on sanctions against Russia is part of the EU's comprehensive approach to fighting terrorism and war-and-conflicts, as the EU is preparing its 17th package of sanctions against Russia.
- The EU and UK are stepping up economic pressure on Russia, with the aim of using sanctions as a tool to bring about peace in Ukraine, a strategy that includes ending EU dependency on Russian energy by 2027.
- In negotiations with Trump, Merz emphasized the importance of Russia cooperating for a genuine peace treaty in the context of the Ukraine conflict, highlighting his role in the ongoing policy-and-legislation discussions regarding sanctions.
- As the ball remains in Russia's court, Merz has expressed hope that a new opportunity for negotiations will be seen as a chance to bring all parties to the peace table, echoing general-news headlines about the ongoing struggle for peace in Ukraine.
