Europe to step up pressure on Russia, US ready for new sanctions - German FM
Photo: Johann Wadephul, German Foreign Minister (Getty Images)
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has called for solidarity between European countries and the United States regarding sanctions pressure on Russia over its ongoing aggression against Ukraine, particularly the recent large-scale attacks, according to ZDF Heute.
German official Johann Wadephul stated that pressure through new sanctions must continue until Vladimir Putin takes real diplomatic steps toward peace with Ukraine.
"We must maintain pressure so that Putin finally comes to the negotiating table and Russia finally enters serious negotiations," said Wadephul, a representative of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union.
He made the statement ahead of his first official visit to the United States as foreign minister, against the backdrop of ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, despite Moscow’s claims of being open to peace talks.
"We want to finally end the deaths in Ukraine, we want an immediate ceasefire, and we want lasting peace," Wadephul emphasized.
The minister also noted that "Europeans will continue to tighten sanctions, and the US Congress is also ready for new measures."
In Washington, Wadephul is scheduled to meet with his American counterpart, Marco Rubio, on Wednesday, May 28, to discuss a joint approach to current international crises.
On possible new US sanctions against Russia
Despite repeated refusals by Putin to heed President Donald Trump’s calls for a ceasefire, the US leader said last week he does not currently plan to impose new sanctions. European leaders have urged the US to join them in increasing pressure on Moscow over its continued aggression.
However, in response to three consecutive days of intense Russian attacks on Ukraine, the US president sharply criticized Putin, saying the Kremlin leader has "gone absolutely crazy." Trump also said the US is "definitely considering" imposing new sanctions.
In late April, Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal introduced a sanctions bill in Congress. According to Graham, the proposal has enough support in the House of Representatives to move forward.
On May 20, the EU adopted its 17th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting maritime logistics, oil traders, and their foreign enablers.
