German Chancellor Friedrich Mertz and French President Emmanuel Macron asked for secondary sanctions with the aim of undermining its war machine Russiaincreasing pressure on Moscow, as Donald Trump’s peacekeeping efforts fail.
To prevent Moscow from raising money from oil sales, Europe’s two largest economies will push for sanctions targeting “companies from third countries supporting the Russian war”, according to a joint statement issued today (29.8.2025) after meeting with members of the German Council.
“We will continue to put pressure on the imposition of additional penalties by us-and we are ready to do so-but also by the US, to force Russia to return to the negotiating table,” Macron said with Mertz at a press conference at Fort Du Cap Brun.
The initiative to expand sanctions comes at a time when European leaders are losing their patience with the reluctance of the US president to openly confront Vladimir Putin for his war in Ukraine. For Ukraine’s allies, the hope is that this move will push Trump to implement his threats to expand sanctions against the Kremlin.
The last two -week deadline set by Trump is approaching its expiration, with no clear progress in reaching a peace agreement. On the contrary, the Kremlin launched one of the most severe drones and missiles of the year, hitting apartment buildings and killing at least four children this week.
While Europe wants to put pressure on the Russian leader, US support is needed, especially in terms of sanctions, to ensure that Putin will take measures to end the war, according to a European official who is familiar with the situation and asked not to be named, as the conversations are private.
France and Germany have agreed to step up their cooperation within the European Union and with the partners of the Seven Group to “expand and develop further effective and strong sanctions,” the countries said in a statement, adding that the goal is to “exert the highest pressure on Russia”.