Germany's Wadephul calls new EU sanctions 'unprecedented' blow to Russia

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul characterized the latest set of EU sanctions imposed on Russia as a historic and unprecedented blow to President Vladimir Putin's war efforts in Ukraine. Wadephul stated that these measures aim to hinder President Putin's aggression, which violates international law and the Ukrainian people's suffering due to his merciless bombing campaigns.

Addressing the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Luxembourg to finalize the sanctions package, Wadephul emphasized that the sanctions target approximately 1,600 individuals and businesses connected to Russia's war efforts, along with 77 additional individuals and groups involved in the unlawful elections held in occupied Ukrainian territories.

EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas revealed that this represents the largest expansion of the sanctions list since Russia initiated its war in Ukraine. The majority of these sanctions are directed towards the production chain of ballistic missiles, slowing down and escalating the costs for Russia to manufacture weapons used against Ukrainians.

Despite not being able to attend the meeting, Wadephul conveyed a clear message: "Russia cannot and will not win this war." However, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk suggested that sanctions should be further strengthened as the conflict approaches its fifth bitter winter. Tusk urged the entire West to demonstrate to Russia and Putin that the West is prepared to pursue a policy of containing Russia through even more decisive means. This call was made during the Warsaw Security Forum, where Tusk referred to the EU sanctions.