Germany's Merz Slams Putin’s Absence in Istanbul Talks

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin's absence from the Istanbul talks on Ukraine, Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA) reported.

Merz said a new EU sanctions package targeting Russia is expected next week. I Photo: Friedrich Merz Facebook

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky demonstrated “enormous goodwill” by traveling to Turkey, Merz told German public broadcaster ZDF. “The one who is now putting himself in the wrong by not showing up is Putin.”

Merz said a new EU sanctions package targeting Russia is expected next week. “This package is ready and will be decided next Tuesday in Brussels,” he stated, adding that the sanctions would come into effect immediately.

“They are prepared, they will come into effect, and the next sanctions package is in preparation.” Merz emphasized that Europe and the U.S. must remain united in ending Russian aggression in Ukraine.