Germany prepares new sanctions package to pressure Russia over ceasefire

Germany is collaborating with its allies on a new package of sanctions aimed at pressuring Russia to agree to a ceasefire in its ongoing war with Ukraine, government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said on May 19 at a regular press conference.

According to Kornelius, the German government is continuously reviewing and updating its sanctions policy toward Russia. He confirmed that the European Union is set to adopt its 17th package of sanctions this week, Caliber.Az reports per Bloomberg.

The upcoming EU measures are expected to target the Russian financial sector in a renewed effort to push President Vladimir Putin toward negotiating a peace deal. The bloc is also preparing sanctions on third-party banks accused of supporting Moscow’s war effort, according to previous reports by Bloomberg.

Kornelius said the United States’ position on the new EU sanctions will depend on the outcome of a scheduled phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, also set to take place on May 19.

Germany, alongside its allies, has consistently urged Russia to support an unconditional ceasefire. Kornelius stated that the expanded sanctions are intended to increase pressure on the Kremlin to move in that direction.

In recent months, discussions have intensified among EU member states and G7 partners on how to use these frozen assets to support Ukraine’s reconstruction and war efforts. Proposals include seizing the assets outright or using the interest generated from them. However, such actions raise serious legal and financial concerns, especially regarding property rights under international law and the potential precedent it could set for other sovereign assets.

By Sabina Mammadli