Merz announced increased EU sanctions pressure on Russia

Europe has reached an agreement with the United States to increase pressure on Russia through sanctions following a conversation between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said.

"Europe and America are united on this issue: we will actively support Ukraine on its path to a ceasefire. Europe will increase pressure on Moscow through sanctions. We agreed on this with [the US President] after his conversation with Putin," he wrote in X.

On May 19, Trump spoke by phone with Putin, followed by a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He then briefed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the presidents of France andFinland's Emmanuel Macron and Alexander Stubb, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Merz.The US President called the conversation with Putin "good" and announced "some progress" in the settlement.

Following his conversation with Trump, the Russian president stated his willingness to work with the Ukrainian side on a memorandum on a future peace treaty, which would define "a number of positions," such as the principles of a peaceful settlement, the timeframe for a possible peace agreement, and a potential ceasefire for a specified period if an agreement is reached. Zelenskyy allowed the possibility of signing such a memorandum.

On May 14, the EU agreed on the 17th sanctions package against Russia. it includes restrictions on 189 tankers that Brussels considers linked to the Russian shadow fleet, as well as restrictions on companies from third countries. The EU expects to adopt this package on May 20. Meanwhile, Handelsblatt reported that the EU has reached the limit of "what sanctions can achieve."

European diplomats said that EU leaders' harsh statements about new sanctions against Russia could undermine the union's authority if they are not backed up by real action.

Washington has repeatedly warned Moscow of tightening sanctions if progress is not made in resolving the conflict in Ukraine . Secretary of State Marco Rubio recalled a bill introducing "crushing" sanctions against Russia, prepared by Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal.

The document not only talks about sanctions against Russia, but also about 500% duties on imports from countries that buy Russian goods.oil , petroleum products, natural gas, uranium and other goods.REUTERS reported that support for the bill among senators is growing. Trump warned of his readiness to tighten sanctions against Russia "if necessary," but noted that he would not like to do so.

Moscow considers Western sanctions illegal and demands their lifting. The Kremlin has emphasized that the "language of ultimatums" is unacceptable in dialogue with Russia.

ReadPIONERPRODUKT .by inTELEGRAM .