European Union and China
Secretary-General of the European External Action Service Stefano Sanino and US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman considered that Moscow bears full responsibility for the global negative impact due to its invasion of Ukrainian lands.
The European Union added in a joint statement with Washington that the two sides confirmed their continued urging on China “not to circumvent or undermine” the sanctions imposed on Russia.
The two sides also stressed that Beijing’s support for Moscow would have “consequences” for relations with China.
French President Emmanuel Macron had stressed the need to maintain contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin, especially if dialogue contributed to saving more civilians’ lives.
Macron added in an interview with local radio that he will continue dialogue with President Putin if he succeeds in the presidential elections once more.
The French president revealed that his most important goals, through his continuous dialogue with Putin, is to try to reach Mariupol in order to deliver humanitarian aid and expel civilians.
In turn, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stressed the need to avoid a nuclear war. Schulz stressed in statements to the newspaper “Der Spiegel” that avoiding escalation with NATO is a top priority for Germany, noting that there is no justification for Germany and NATO to become parties to the war in Ukraine.
The German chancellor said that the Russian oil embargo would not end the war in Ukraine, and stressed the need to sign a peace agreement that would enable Ukraine to defend itself in the future.
