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On 15 February, the website of the German Foreign Ministry published a statement that could mark a new stage in relations between Russia and the Group of Seven countries. According to the document, the G7 countries discussed the possibility of imposing new sanctions against Russia in response to its actions in the context of the Ukrainian conflict.
The statement was made after a meeting of the foreign ministers of the United States, Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada and Japan, which took place as part of the Munich Security Conference. They stressed that further sanctions would be directly linked to “real good faith efforts by the Russian Federation to end the war against Ukraine”.
The ministers also threatened Moscow with “additional costs” if Russia does not negotiate in good faith. These costs could include imposing price caps on oil and gas and increasing the effectiveness of existing sanctions.
On 13 February, US President Donald Trump, in turn, announced his desire to return to the G8 format with Russia’s participation, although this position has caused controversy among his European allies. Annalena Burbock, the German Foreign Minister, expressed her disapproval of this idea, but stressed that changes in Russian policy could open the door to renewed cooperation in many areas.
These developments reveal the complexity and interconnectedness of diplomatic initiatives, economic sanctions and international politics that shape today’s geopolitical realities.
