The State Duma responded to Merz's threats to tighten sanctions

New anti-Russian sanctions will result in serious losses for the economy of Europe itself. This was stated by State Duma deputy Svetlana Zhurova on Tuesday, August 26, responding to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's threat to tighten sanctions if a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky did not take place.

"The European economy is already going through difficult times due to anti-Russian sanctions, especially in some sectors. And, of course, they themselves do not want to aggravate these consequences. In addition, it is obvious that a meeting at this level requires very serious preparation," the politician said in a conversation with Lenta.Ru .

According to the MP, Putin's meeting with Zelensky will be noticeably different from the meeting with US leader Donald Trump.

She explained that the meeting would be more difficult to arrange in terms of security.

"It was clear with Trump that security would be at the highest level. Everything is different with Zelensky. In addition, it is necessary to separately agree on a place that would suit all parties. In particular, it would be logical if representatives of Europe were present at the meeting. So it's not easy. And it is also impossible to impose sanctions indefinitely," Zhurova concluded.

On the same day, Merz said that Western leaders expect a meeting between Putin and Zelensky to take place within the next two weeks. According to him, if this does not happen, "the ball will be on the side of the Europeans and Americans again."

"Together we expressed the expectation that a meeting between Zelensky and Putin will take place within two weeks <...>. If such a meeting does not take place, <...> then the ball will be on our side again, I mean the Europeans and Americans. Then we will discuss this issue again," he said at a joint press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

According to the Chancellor, under such circumstances, Trump offered to hold trilateral talks between him, Putin and Zelensky. The Chancellor also called it a logical next step.

Allied agreement: Kiev's partners are pushing the United States to strengthen Ukraine's position

Germany and Norway have announced additional aid, and Americans are increasingly pulling back.

On August 25, Zelensky announced his desire to discuss with the special envoy of the President of the United States, Keith Kellogg, preparations for a possible meeting with Russia. He also announced a meeting of the Ukrainian and US teams at the end of the week on this issue, as well as on potential security guarantees.

Earlier, on August 24, US Vice President Jay Dee Vance noted Moscow's flexibility in negotiations to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. He also said that Washington, in turn, is conducting the negotiation process in good faith.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.