German Chancellor Friedrich Merz threatened Moscow today with tougher sanctions if Russian President Vladimir Putin rejects a 30-day ceasefire in the Ukrainian conflict demanded by the Europeans and Americans, stressing that "the ball is now in Putin's court."
If the Kremlin refuses, "then there will be a massive tightening of sanctions and massive aid to Ukraine will continue, on the political front, of course, but also on the financial and military front," Merz said in an interview with the German daily Bild during a visit to Kiev with the leaders of France, Great Britain and Poland.
He said that a 30-day ceasefire is being requested in order to prepare for peace negotiations during this period, and that Europe is in agreement with the US government on this issue.
"The ball is now in Putin's court. Putin must respond to this offer," Merz said.
German Chancellor Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Kiev by train this morning to express support for Ukraine with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
The visit is a symbolic response to the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany, held on Friday in Red Square, with the participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin and about two dozen foreign leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping.
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