The new German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has warned Moscow of “a massive tightening of sanctions” if Russian President Vladimir Putin rejects the proposed 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict sought by Europeans and Americans, during an interview with the German daily Bild on Saturday.
Merz stated that if the Kremlin refuses, “there will be a massive tightening of sanctions, and significant support for Ukraine will continue, politically, financially, and militarily.”
He is visiting Kyiv on Saturday with French, British, and Polish leaders.
“We are in agreement with the American government and with Donald Trump. We demand a 30-day ceasefire so that peace negotiations can be prepared during this period. The ball is now in Putin’s court. Putin must respond to this offer,” the Chancellor emphasised.
He added, “The US President is clearly losing patience with Putin.”
In the interview, Merz, who has been in office since Tuesday, did not rule out speaking directly with the Kremlin leader.
“If necessary, if it can help end this war, I am willing to do a lot. But we must first see if, after this weekend, we manage to achieve the goal of a ceasefire,” he said.
