European Union Leaders Urge Tougher Sanctions on Russia Amid Ukraine Crisis
A top German politician has called for new economic sanctions on Russia, targeting its oil exports, in a bid to cut off the financial backing of its war efforts in Ukraine. Jürgen Hardt, the CDU’s foreign policy spokesperson in the German Bundestag, emphasized that the financing of the brutal Russian attack on Ukraine through oil sales must be stopped.
In an interview, Hardt stated, “Europe cannot bypass the escalation of sanctions after Russian President Vladimir Putin failed to agree to a ceasefire even after a phone call with US President Donald Trump.” He believes that the key to resolving the conflict lies in the oil price and the cessation of oil sales through the Russian shadow fleet.
Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, a defense expert from the Free Democratic Party, echoed Hardt’s sentiments, urging the European Union to stand firmly in support of Ukraine, both economically and militarily. While acknowledging the efforts of Trump, she warned that Putin is not interested in a peaceful resolution and remains committed to Ukraine’s destruction, aiming to incorporate it into his Russian empire.
Strack-Zimmermann, the chair of the European Parliament’s Defense Committee, stressed, “Only from a position of strength can Ukraine have a chance to achieve a just and sustainable peace.” The call for tougher sanctions on Russia comes as the international community continues to grapple with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.