Germany Leads Charge for Enhanced Sanctions Against Russia Amid Ongoing Conflict

In a concerted effort to increase pressure on Russia, European leaders have agreed to escalate sanctions following a telephone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 19, 2025. German government spokesman Stefan Cornelius announced that the US and its European partners have outlined further steps to support Ukraine and facilitate ceasefire negotiations as Russian forces continue their assaults on Ukrainian positions, despite calls for a 30-day ceasefire, according to Euronews.

Cornelius stated, “The US President and European partners agreed to closely coordinate the negotiation process and hold another technical meeting,” emphasizing a unified commitment to accompany Ukraine on its path to a ceasefire.

Leaders from Germany, France, Britain, and Poland have indicated their intention to intensify sanctions against Russia, targeting the financial and energy sectors. This includes measures against a “shadow fleet” of tankers allegedly used to bypass oil trade restrictions.

This decision follows an ultimatum issued by Germany on May 12, demanding a 30-day ceasefire by midnight, or Europe would begin preparing new sanctions. The Kremlin responded by rejecting the ultimatum, labeling its language as “unacceptable,” and instead proposed direct talks in Istanbul on May 15. European diplomats interpreted this as a tactic to delay meaningful negotiations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his readiness to meet Putin in Turkey but insisted that a ceasefire must precede any discussions.

Since February 2022, the European Union has implemented 16 packages of sanctions against Russia. On May 14, 2025, a new package was agreed upon, which includes a ban on EU port access for an additional 189 “shadow fleet” vessels, bringing the total number affected to 350.