 "France's Macron says Russia could face new sanctions if no ceasefire")
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that he would impose new sanctions on Russia if Moscow does not agree to a ceasefire. He emphasised that these would target financial services and the oil and gas sector in the country, which is currently at war with Ukraine.
In an interview with local television, Macron said, “We plan to impose new sanctions in the coming days if Russia refuses a ceasefire. We are working together on this.”
Macron echoed similar remarks made by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who earlier on Tuesday said that European allies would significantly tighten sanctions on Russia if President Vladimir Putin refused a ceasefire.
Merz also mentioned energy and financial markets as possible targets for new sanctions. On Monday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the European Commission had been asked to propose new measures in these areas. Earlier, the leaders of Britain, France, Germany, and Poland warned that Russia would face further punitive measures if it did not agree to a 30-day ceasefire soon.
That warning did not alter Putin’s position. Instead, he called for direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on 15 May.
US President Donald Trump backed Putin’s call, undermining European leaders’ efforts to present a united front with Trump on sanctions. Diplomats say it is becoming increasingly difficult for the EU’s 27 member states to reach unanimity on imposing tougher new sanctions, after already approving 16 rounds of measures against Russia over the war in Ukraine.
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