Weimar Plus Group Holds Foreign Ministers' Meeting in London
Sanctions Include Kremlin Revenue Restrictions and Crackdown on Shadow Fleets
Major European countries have warned that they will strengthen sanctions against Russia, stating that Russia has shown no willingness to engage in ceasefire negotiations with Ukraine. Both Ukraine and Europe maintain the position that fighting must stop before any talks with Russia and Ukraine can begin.
The so-called 'Weimar Plus Group'?comprising the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Poland, Italy, Spain, and the European Union (EU)?held a foreign ministers' meeting in London on the 12th (local time) to discuss ways to enhance Ukraine's security. The Weimar Plus Group was established in response to changes in U.S. policy toward Europe and Ukraine following the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump in February.
In a joint statement, they urged, "Russia has shown no serious intention to make progress and must implement a ceasefire without delay."
They went on to announce that they would pursue strong measures to weaken Russia's war capabilities by restricting Kremlin revenues, cracking down on shadow fleets, strengthening the oil price cap, and reducing imports of Russian energy.
Andriy Sybiha, Ukraine's foreign minister, who participated in the meeting via video link, explained that the sanctions discussed against Russia included the financial sector, the central bank, and the energy sector.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has so far rejected an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, which was first proposed by the United States and immediately accepted by Ukraine in early March. This weekend, President Putin called for the resumption of direct negotiations with Ukraine, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed a face-to-face meeting with President Putin.
Ukraine and its European allies reiterated their position that fighting must stop before substantive negotiations can begin.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Kyiv has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to make concessions in order to reach the starting point for difficult negotiations aimed at establishing lasting peace. Speaking with reporters, President Macron said, "If President Putin truly wants peace, we are ready to respond accordingly. However, if he is not serious, we must impose even stronger sanctions."
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy also told reporters in London, "Now is the time for President Putin to be serious about peace in Europe, a ceasefire, and genuine negotiations."
Russia sent more than 100 drones to attack Ukraine overnight. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the language of ultimatums regarding additional European sanctions is unacceptable and inappropriate for Russia.
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