The Greens have called for more international pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin in view of the talks about an end to the war in Ukraine. “He is the aggressor. He is waging this war and inflicting endless suffering on the people of Ukraine,” parliamentary group leader Britta Haßelmann told the AFP news agency on Monday. “More pressure on Putin” is now needed.
“It is Ukraine that wants an end to the war. It is the one that is ready to negotiate, that is ready to take responsibility,” Haßelmann continued. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made this clear again and again at his recent meeting with American President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. As an attacked state, Ukraine also “made painful offers for itself”.
On the other hand, Putin continued to bomb Ukraine with undiminished severity, Haßelmann accused the Russian president. He was “not ready for a ceasefire, let alone serious peace negotiations.” But it is only Putin who can stop the war started by Russia.
Specifically, the Green party leader called for further sanctions against Russia and tougher action against the so-called Russian shadow fleet. However, “hesitant disagreement”, as the EU recently showed with the frozen assets, must be avoided.
“We must always remember that Putin is not just concerned with Ukraine”said Haßelmann. “It is also about our peace, our security and our freedom in Europe, which must be protected.” This requires “decisive and joint action by Europe”.
After the talks with Zelensky in Mar-a-Lago, Trump spoke of “progress”. However, central questions obviously still remain unanswered. The American President’s words of praise for Putin, with whom Trump had spoken on the phone before the meeting with Zelensky, also caused irritation.
“One thing is certain: Nothing works without Ukraine and over Ukraine’s head,” said Haßelmann. She was also cautious about the question of how reliable possible agreements between Trump and Zelensky are. That “remains open,” said the Green party leader.
