Germany Says Putin Is “Playing for Time” in Ukraine Peace Talks
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius on Tuesday accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of not being genuinely interested in peace in Ukraine, stating that Moscow is only “playing for time” in its talks with the United States.
His remarks came ahead of a meeting of EU defence and foreign affairs ministers in Brussels, The Gaze reports, citing Reuters.
“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. “Putin is clearly playing for time, unfortunately, we have to say Putin is not really interested in peace.”
Despite Russia and Ukraine agreeing to enter negotiations following Putin’s two-hour call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, European officials remain skeptical of Moscow’s intentions.
Putin noted that the process would “take time,” prompting concerns among allies that Russia is using the talks as a delay tactic while continuing its assault.
In response, EU leaders are preparing to increase pressure on Moscow through additional sanctions. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot also took aim at Putin, calling his position “hypocritical.”
“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,” Barrot said. “Let us push Vladimir Putin to put an end to his imperialist fantasy by adopting (EU) sanctions that are truly dissuasive.”
As The Gaze previously reported, the European Union approved a new package of sanctions against Russia, the 17th in a row since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Additionally, the UK government has announced the extension of sanctions against Russia in response to the massive attack on Ukraine on the night of 18 May, during which the Russian army used a record number of attack drones.
On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine will “immediately start negotiations” for a ceasefire and a potential end to the war, following a two-hour phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.