Germany’s new chancellery chief Thorsten Frei is calling for tougher EU sanctions on Russia, including potential bans on gas and uranium and using frozen Russian assets. As Berlin's tone hardens, Frei says Putin has no intent for peace and warns of continued Russian escalation.
Germany’s newly appointed chancellery chief, Thorsten Frei, is calling on Europe to move “out of its comfort zone” by imposing significantly tougher sanctions on Russia — including potential bans on gas and uranium imports and tapping into frozen Russian state assets.
In an interview with Reuters, Frei emphasized the need for measures that go beyond symbolic gestures. “We must adopt steps that truly have an impact — not just maintain the status quo,” said the conservative politician, who now serves as chief of staff to Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
His remarks come as the European Union and the United Kingdom announced fresh sanctions targeting Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers and financial institutions aiding Moscow in circumventing existing restrictions. However, Frei insists the next EU sanctions package must be even more forceful — even if it means affecting some EU member states economically.
Asked specifically about banning Russian gas and uranium imports, or accessing frozen Russian sovereign assets, Frei responded: “These are precisely the kinds of measures that would hit Russia where it hurts — and would achieve the intended effect of sanctions.”
Frei also voiced support for sanctioning the Nord Stream gas pipeline under the Baltic Sea.
Germany's new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, who took office earlier this month, has also indicated that Berlin is ready to push for the confiscation of Russian state assets — if legally feasible. He acknowledged ongoing discussions around additional energy sanctions.
The hardened stance follows Russia’s rejection of Europe’s call for a ceasefire, with Frei accusing Russian President Vladimir Putin of “playing for time.” Frei argued that Moscow showed no genuine interest in peace, pointing to recent negotiations in Istanbul that were followed by intensified Russian attacks.
“Putin wants to create military facts on the ground,” Frei said, suggesting the Kremlin still believes its war goals can be achieved militarily. “These are not exactly the right conditions for a quick peace.”
Frei did not rule out an increase in German military support for Ukraine. While the draft budget for 2025 earmarks €7 billion (about $8 billion), he suggested additional aid could be considered, though no specific figures were given.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong have committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation in defense, green development, and industrial growth during a high-level meeting in Singapore.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
The Kremlin on Tuesday expressed concern over what it described as a rapidly worsening conflict between Israel and Iran, stating that Israel appears unwilling to engage in mediation efforts.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had remained at the G7 summit in Canada to continue discussions, while he returned to Washington to address Middle East developments.
US President Donald Trump said he is seeking a complete end to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, dismissing ceasefire prospects and warning Tehran against targeting American forces amid escalating conflict with Israel.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong have committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation in defense, green development, and industrial growth during a high-level meeting in Singapore.
Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon met with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 2nd Central Asia–China Summit in Astana. President Rahmon noted that Tajikistan places great importance on its "comprehensive strategic partnership" with China.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
Due to recent airspace closures, travellers departing from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are likely to experience flight disruptions due to the suspension of multiple regional routes. Dubai-based carriers Emirates and flydubai have cancelled multiple flights, as well.
The Kremlin on Tuesday expressed concern over what it described as a rapidly worsening conflict between Israel and Iran, stating that Israel appears unwilling to engage in mediation efforts.
Pakistan will begin its first freight train service to Russia from Lahore on June 22. The route is part of the INSTC and aims to connect Pakistan's rail network with Central Asia, establishing a new trade corridor via Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
The Israeli military has issued an evacuation advisory for Iranian civilians living near weapons production sites and associated infrastructure within Iran. The message was shared on the social media platform X in both Arabic and Farsi by an official military spokesperson.
Thailand’s cabinet has approved a $1.2 billion plan to host a Formula 1 street race in Bangkok starting in 2028, aiming to boost tourism and put the capital on the global motorsport map with an annual event running through 2032.
A federal judge has ruled that the Trump-era termination of hundreds of diversity-focused scientific research grants was unlawful and discriminatory, ordering the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to reinstate the cancelled funding.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong have committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation in defense, green development, and industrial growth during a high-level meeting in Singapore.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
The Kremlin on Tuesday expressed concern over what it described as a rapidly worsening conflict between Israel and Iran, stating that Israel appears unwilling to engage in mediation efforts.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong have committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation in defense, green development, and industrial growth during a high-level meeting in Singapore.
Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon met with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 2nd Central Asia–China Summit in Astana. President Rahmon noted that Tajikistan places great importance on its "comprehensive strategic partnership" with China.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
Due to recent airspace closures, travellers departing from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are likely to experience flight disruptions due to the suspension of multiple regional routes. Dubai-based carriers Emirates and flydubai have cancelled multiple flights, as well.
The Kremlin on Tuesday expressed concern over what it described as a rapidly worsening conflict between Israel and Iran, stating that Israel appears unwilling to engage in mediation efforts.
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