EU may approve new sanctions against Russia on May 20 – Merz

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said this in a post on social media platform X, according to Ukrinform.

"The new sanctions package is ready. We will decide on it on Tuesday in Brussels," he wrote.

The German chancellor also described President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Istanbul — where talks between Ukraine and Russia are expected to take place — as a major step forward.

At the same time, Merz criticized Russian leader Vladimir Putin for failing to attend the talks in Turkey, calling it a misstep.

Earlier reports said that the EU Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) had approved additional sanctions against Russia.

The 17th package of sanctions is expected to be discussed and adopted during the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on May 20.

Photo: MSC