Germany is pressing for significant progress toward a ceasefire in Ukraine this week. Berlin, May 14, 2025 - The EU is considering its 17th package of sanctions against Russia. These sanctions may be implemented if there is no progress toward a ceasefire.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Moscow holds the responsibility for halting the conflict. A potential meeting between Ukrainian and Russian representatives is scheduled for May 15 in Istanbul. President Zelensky will be in Turkey, ready to meet with Putin if he attends, while the Kremlin may send a delegation.
The composition of the Russian delegation will indicate Moscow's sincerity in negotiations. Russia aims to resume negotiations where they left off in spring 2022. Draft documents from that time severely limited the size of Ukrainian armed forces and mandated neutrality.