The “Coalition of the Willing” has responded with hostility to the Trump-Putin phone discussion, talking about sanctions to increase the European pressure against Russia. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz took a lead in that yesterday, announcing on X his support for new EU sanctions.
Speaking at a press briefing on May 19, German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said that Berlin “supports the elements [of sanctions] related to Nord Stream,” adding: “It is, of course, also crucial that the U.S. will accompany a potential sanctions package.”
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said talks are good, and at the same time said the next round of EU sanctions would target Russia’s financial sector, a fleet of ships used to bypass oil bans, and the Nord Stream system. The goal, she claimed, is to compel Moscow to accept a 30-day unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine.
