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EU Ready to Push Russia Harder If Peace Talks Stall, Says Merz
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![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that the European Union is prepared to impose tougher sanctions on Russia if meaningful progress toward ending the war in Ukraine is not achieved this week.
The statement was made during a joint press conference with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Reuters reported on May 13.
“We are waiting for Putin's agreement and we agree that if there is no real progress this week, we want to work together at European level for a significant tightening of sanctions,” Merz said.
He added that new measures could target Russia’s energy sector and financial markets.
Merz also confirmed that EU leaders support President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s participation in possible talks with Russia in Istanbul, but only if Russia halts its attacks on Ukrainian civilians.
While acknowledging Zelenskyy’s willingness to seek compromise if it helps achieve a ceasefire, Merz concluded: “I believe that further compromises and concessions are no longer reasonable.”
Earlier, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had urged the Kremlin to commit to a lasting ceasefire in Ukraine and enter meaningful peace talks, or face new, tougher EU sanctions.
Merz reaffirmed Germany’s and the European Union’s steadfast support for Ukraine, stressing that continued Russian aggression will only deepen Moscow’s political and economic isolation.
-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
