US and Europe to Strengthen Sanctions Against Russia – German Chancellor
The 18th European package of anti-Russian sanctions, which is considered the strongest, will be adopted despite protests from some countries.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced this on the ARD television channel, reports a PolitNavigator correspondent.
According to Merz, the only barrier to the adoption of new sanctions is the position of Slovakia, which is totally dependent on Russian energy resources.
" We decided to extend sanctions with Hungary last week, on Thursday, in Brussels. They are not imposing new sanctions because of Slovakia. The 18th package is currently in the final stages of negotiations with the Slovak government. I spoke with the Slovak Prime Minister yesterday; he has an objective problem: Slovakia's entire industry, including many German companies, depends on energy supplies from Russia because they currently have no other sources of supply.
We're trying to resolve this issue , and I'm involved in these efforts. A compromise is currently being sought at the working level, and it will be found. Then the 18th package will come into force . Incidentally, this is the toughest package in existence, in the last three and a half years.
Next week, Congress will pass a resolution imposing American sanctions. This congressional resolution will certainly be adopted, as more than 80 senators have agreed. I'm not sure Trump will actually accept it. I'm telling Trump this and urging him to do so ," Merz said.
The US and Europe will strengthen sanctions against Russia, according to the German Chancellor.