French President Macron stated on Tuesday that if Moscow does not agree to a ceasefire, he supports the implementation of new sanctions against Russia by Europe in the coming days, mentioning that financial services, Oil & Gas could be targeted.
Last Saturday, the leaders of France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Poland called on Russia to accept an unconditional ceasefire lasting 30 days starting Monday. The leaders warned that if Russia does not respond to this appeal, new punitive measures will be imposed.
In a media interview, Macron also emphasized that if Russia does not implement the '30-day ceasefire agreement' proposed by Kyiv's European allies, 'we plan to impose new sanctions on Russia in the coming days. We are coordinating on this.'
Macron's remarks echoed those of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz earlier on Tuesday, who stated that if Russian President Putin does not agree to a ceasefire, European allies will implement 'significantly enhanced sanctions' against Russia.
Merz also noted that sectors such as Energy and financial markets may also become targets for sanctions. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated on Monday that the European Commission has been asked to propose new sanction plans for these sectors.
It is reported that since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022, the EU has imposed 16 rounds of sanctions against Russia. The 17th round of sanctions will be launched next Tuesday. The financial sector and the hydrocarbon (traditional Energy) sector have been largely unaffected by sanctions.
However, these threats do not seem to have 'scared' Putin, who instead proposed that both sides restart direct negotiations unconditionally on the 15th in Istanbul, Turkey. Putin emphasized, 'We suggest that the Kyiv authorities resume direct negotiations without any preconditions.'
Later that day, Zelensky announced his agreement to attend the Istanbul talks and provocatively stated, 'I hope this time, Putin will not find excuses to not attend.' US President Trump also 'responded positively' and mentioned he might stop by Turkey to participate in the planned talks between Russia and Ukraine. This disrupted the plans of European leaders.
In a recent interview, Macron emphasized that while France supports Ukraine in the new round of efforts to force Putin to the negotiating table, he added that the West does not wish for a 'third world war.' Ukraine has acknowledged its inability to reclaim all the territory occupied by Russia since 2014.
He said: 'We must help Ukraine defend itself, but we do not want to provoke a third world war. The war must stop, and Ukraine must be in the best condition to negotiate.'
'Even the Ukrainians have clearly stated that they are unable to reclaim everything that was taken since 2014.' He added. This is likely referring to the Crimean Peninsula.
It is understood that the Crimean Peninsula became part of Russian territory after a Q&M Dental referendum in 2014. Although Kyiv has repeatedly stated that it will not give up sovereignty over the Crimean Peninsula, claiming that Russia has simply occupied it, since 2014, Ukraine has been unable to regain Crimea.
Editor/joryn
