The war in Ukraine continues in its fourth month, with Russia focusing on capturing the eastern region of Ukraine in its new offensive. This week, Germany’s foreign minister said negotiations with Russia are not an option.
In an interview with Stern magazine, German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock said negotiations with Russia are not an option, citing that Moscow is not prepared to allow the Red Cross to let civilians evacuate from bombarded areas.
Baerbock also rejected calls from a group of Germans in an open letter for an immediate ceasefire and talks, criticizing the move as “naive, disturbing, and arrogant.”
“What can you negotiate about with someone who is not even ready to agree with the International Committee of the Red Cross to let civilians flee?” said Baerbock.
“What right does the German foreign minister have to decide for Ukraine which part of their country they should please give up, how many millions of their citizens to submit to their Russian rule?” said Baerbock, referring to the letter.
The top diplomat also said she has not been in contact with her Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov since Russia invaded Ukraine in February. Baerbock said she wished she could tell Lavrov to come and talk peace but questioned the power of his role in the war.
“What kind of role the Russian foreign minister plays at all in this is questionable,” said Baerbock.
Both Baerbock and Lavrov attended the G20 Summit in Bali. However, Lavrov left after his speech without hearing Baerbock’s remarks.
Meanwhile, the European Union is preparing the seventh round of sanctions against Russia in another effort to punish Moscow for its unprovoked attack on Ukraine. However, Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala told Reuters that curbing imports of Russian energy products is not included.
According to Fiala, the sanctions that are being finalized by the bloc’s executive included a ban on gold imports, widening a list of dual-use goods that are banned from exporting to Russia while also targeting more individuals.
Fiala said the European Commission is expected to unveil the seventh package in the coming days to be signed off by member states.


New York Legalizes Medical Aid in Dying for Terminally Ill Patients
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality
Federal Judge Restores Funding for Gateway Rail Tunnel Project
Anutin’s Bhumjaithai Party Wins Thai Election, Signals Shift Toward Political Stability
Jack Lang Resigns as Head of Arab World Institute Amid Epstein Controversy
Antonio José Seguro Poised for Landslide Win in Portugal Presidential Runoff
Trump Allows Commercial Fishing in Protected New England Waters
Trump Administration Appeals Court Order to Release Hudson Tunnel Project Funding
Ohio Man Indicted for Alleged Threat Against Vice President JD Vance, Faces Additional Federal Charges
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal
Netanyahu to Meet Trump in Washington as Iran Nuclear Talks Intensify
Bangladesh Election 2026: A Turning Point After Years of Political Suppression
Japan Election 2026: Sanae Takaichi Poised for Landslide Win Despite Record Snowfall
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains
Sydney Braces for Pro-Palestine Protests During Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s Visit
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran
Trump Congratulates Japan’s First Female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi After Historic Election Victory 



