EU Poised for Tougher Sanctions on Russia Amid Ukraine Crisis

The European Union is prepared to impose stricter sanctions on Russia if no progress on the Ukraine war is made, announced German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. He stated that a new sanction package targets Russia's energy and financial sectors, aiming for significant pressures by the EU for a peace settlement.

The European Union is set to enforce more stringent sanctions on Russia, should there be no advancement in resolving the ongoing Ukraine conflict this week, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared on Tuesday. A new sanctions package is ready and awaits implementation.

Merz emphasized that unity at the European level is crucial if Russia fails to show substantial progress, particularly with President Vladimir Putin's anticipated cooperation. The potential sanctions could hit sectors like energy and finance hard, as part of a broader EU strategy.

In a joint news conference with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Merz reiterated that any peace deal should put the EU at its core. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy could engage in talks with Russia in Istanbul, contingent on the cessation of hostilities in Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies.)