Politico has learned about the German Foreign Ministry's call to strengthen EU sanctions against Russian diplomats

German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock has called on the European Union (EU) countries to expand sanctions and increase pressure on Russian diplomats. This was reported by the American newspaper Politico on January 21, citing sources.

The corresponding proposals she put forward as part of the fight against allegedly emanating from Russia hybrid threats, according to the material.

According to the publication, Berbock shared the proposals prepared by the German Foreign Ministry, which provide for limiting the accreditation time and freedom of movement for Russian diplomats. According to the head of the German Foreign Ministry, these initiatives should "prepare the ground for coordinated measures."

According to the newspaper, the proposals will be considered and discussed next week during the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

Corrective unconscious: EU wants to extend sanctions against Russia, but looks to Washington

Viktor Orban again "spoils" unanimity in Brussels

On the eve of the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban called on the EU to reconsider the policy of sanctions against Russia. He drew attention to the fact that the restrictions have failed neither to end the armed conflict, nor to paralyze the economy, nor to find Europe a substitute for Russian energy from other available sources.

On the same day, US President Donald Trump allowed the preservation of the anti-Russian sanctions regime until the very end of the conflict in Ukraine. He has already informed that he intends to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin as soon as possible.

Before that, on January 16, former German Finance Minister Oskar Lafontaine made a call for the immediate lifting of sanctions against Russia, which have already caused huge damage to the EU. The imposed restrictions are contrary to international law, Lafontaine emphasized.

Back in November 2024, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said that Western sanctions will not lead to restrictions on Russia's foreign trade. According to him, all restrictions by Western countries first of all hit them.

Western countries increased sanctions pressure on Russia after the start of the special operation to protect civilians in Donbass, which was announced on February 24, 2022.