German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stated on Tuesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not genuinely interested in peace in Ukraine, accusing him of merely stalling for time in discussions with the United States.
Pistorius urged Europe to increase pressure on Russia by implementing further sanctions, particularly targeting Russia’s energy sales.
“We have seen massive (Russian) attacks again in recent days… These speak louder than the lip service (to the peace process) we have heard for so long,” Pistorius said before a meeting of EU defence and foreign affairs ministers in Brussels.
Read more: Julie Davis Named Top US Diplomat in Ukraine.
“Putin is clearly playing for time, unfortunately we have to say Putin is not really interested in peace.”
While Russia and Ukraine are scheduled to begin negotiations following a conversation between Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, Putin indicated that the process would be lengthy.
After Trump briefed them on his call, European leaders agreed to increase pressure on Russia through fresh sanctions.
Ahead of Tuesday’s meeting, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot accused Putin of hypocrisy.
“I believe that when Vladimir Putin continues to uphold his hypocritical language, everyone has understood that he will carry on with his colonial war to the end if we do not put a stop to it.”
“Let us push Vladimir Putin to put an end to his imperialist fantasy by adopting (EU) sanctions that are truly dissuasive.”
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the need for the United States to join the bloc in intensifying pressure on Russia.
“We all agreed and said … that if they don’t agree to unconditional ceasefire, like Ukraine has agreed over 60 days ago, there will be strong action,” Kallas said ahead of the meeting.
“And that is what we want to see from all the parties who have said that they will act in accordance,” she said.
