Increased demands for intensified action against Putin voiced by Merz and Wadephul

In a significant development, German leaders have expressed continued concern over the ongoing Ukraine war and have called for stronger economic measures against Russia.

At the EU Foreign Ministers' meeting in Copenhagen, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasised the need to take action to ensure that Russia can no longer afford to continue the war economically. His sentiments were echoed by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who stated that not everything that has been promised has been fulfilled yet in terms of military and financial support for Ukraine.

The new EU sanctions package, currently under discussion at the meeting, is intended to further reduce Russia's revenues from trade in oil and gas. Wadephul also mentioned this instrument as a potential solution to the crisis.

Wadephul, speaking at the meeting, also called on partner countries to fulfil their self-imposed commitments to military and financial support for Ukraine. This includes members of the EU and NATO, with specific active involvement mentioned from the Czech Republic, Denmark, and Croatia, who are supporting Ukraine through humanitarian aid, defense cooperation, and strategic roles in EU enlargement and security commitments.

In Bonn, Germany, Merz warned against illusions regarding the end of the Ukraine war and criticised the aggressive approach of the regime in Moscow against the population in Ukraine. He did not specify the nature of the measures to be taken, but his statements suggest a push for more aggressive economic sanctions.

However, Wadephul does not believe Russian President Vladimir Putin is willing to negotiate. This pessimistic outlook is shared by Merz, who also warned against any false hopes of a quick resolution to the conflict.

The pressure on Russia is to be increased, according to Wadephul, who also criticised Putin's regime for its aggressive approach against the population in Ukraine.

These statements were made yesterday, as the international community continues to grapple with the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Merz's efforts to end the war are being met with a more aggressive approach by Russia, underscoring the complex and volatile nature of the situation.

Increased demands for intensified action against Putin voiced by Merz and Wadephul