German defense minister proposes response to Russia’s latest actions
Photo: German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Vladimir Putin is not genuinely interested in peace with Ukraine and is only playing for time during negotiations with the United States, stated German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, Reuters reports.
The Russian attacks, which intensified again overnight, speak louder than the "lip service", he said ahead of a meeting with EU defense ministers in Brussels.
Pistorius emphasized that Europe must increase pressure on Russia by imposing more sanctions, particularly targeting Russian energy exports.
Trump-Putin talks
US President Donald Trump held a phone call with Vladimir Putin on May 19. Following the conversation, Trump stated that Russia and Ukraine must immediately begin negotiations for a ceasefire and an end to the war.
Trump also said he does not want to increase sanctions on Russia for its aggression against Ukraine, at least for now.
According to Bloomberg, several EU leaders are concerned that Trump is abandoning his efforts to stop the Russian-Ukrainian war.
Meanwhile, over the past 24 hours, Russia launched 108 attack drones across Ukrainian territory. Shahed-type drones and decoy UAVs were launched from five directions.
This week, the European Union is expected to propose that the G7 lower the current price cap on Russian oil from $60 to $50 per barrel - a move targeting one of Moscow’s most vulnerable revenue sources.
