Macron threatens new sanctions, Putin proposes resuming Russia

French President Macron stated on Tuesday that if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire, Europe will impose new sanctions on Russia in the coming days, potentially covering areas such as financial services, oil, and gas. This statement was in response to the appeal made by the leaders of France, the UK, Germany, and Poland last Saturday for Russia to accept a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. The leaders emphasized that failure to respond to this appeal would result in new punitive sanctions.

In a media interview, Macron clearly stated, "If Russia does not implement the 30-day ceasefire agreement proposed by Kyiv and European allies, we plan to impose new sanctions on Russia in the coming days. We are coordinating on this." His remarks align with the views of German Chancellor Mertz, who also stated that if Putin does not agree to a ceasefire, European allies will impose "significantly enhanced sanctions" on Russia, noting that sectors like energy and financial markets may become targets for sanctions. French Foreign Minister Barrot also revealed that the European Commission has been asked to propose new sanctions in these areas.

Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022, the EU has imposed 16 rounds of sanctions on Russia, with the 17th round expected to launch next Tuesday. However, the financial and traditional energy industries have so far largely been unaffected by the sanctions, prompting calls from Western leaders to intensify measures.

However, Putin appears unfazed by Western threats, instead proposing the unconditional resumption of Russia-Ukraine negotiations in Istanbul, Turkey, on May 15th. He emphasized, "We suggest that the Kyiv authorities resume direct negotiations without any preconditions." Subsequently, Ukrainian President Zelensky responded by agreeing to attend the Istanbul peace talks, provocatively stating, "I hope Putin does not find excuses not to attend." U.S. President Trump also indicated that he might travel to Turkey to participate in the planned Russia-Ukraine talks, which disrupted European leaders' sanction plans.

Macron further elaborated on France's stance in the interview, stressing that France supports Ukraine's right to self-defense, but the West does not wish to trigger a "third world war." He noted that Ukraine has acknowledged its inability to reclaim all territories occupied by Russia since 2014, particularly Crimea. Macron stated, "We must help Ukraine defend itself, but we do not want to trigger a third world war. The war must stop, and Ukraine must be in the best position to negotiate." He added that Ukraine has clearly stated they cannot restore the territories taken since 2014, especially Crimea.

The Crimean Peninsula joined Russia after a referendum in 2014, but Ukraine has consistently insisted it will not relinquish sovereignty over Crimea. Nevertheless, Ukraine has been unable to regain control of the region since 2014.

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