Published Date: March 14, 2025 ✍️ Author: Global World Citizen News Team 🌍 Source: GlobalWorldCitizen.com
G7 Threatens Tougher Sanctions on Russia Amid Ceasefire Uncertainty
The United States and its G7 allies have warned Russia that sanctions could be expanded and frozen Russian assets could be used to support Ukraine if Moscow refuses to fully implement a ceasefire agreement.
The warning follows a week of diplomatic tensions, as Kyiv signed a 30-day truce while Moscow hesitated to commit. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump continues efforts to broker a peace deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Speaking at a G7 meeting in Canada, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other foreign ministers outlined potential actions against Russia, emphasizing that compliance with the ceasefire is non-negotiable.
Key Developments from the G7 Meeting
Sanctions Expansion: The G7 foreign ministers discussed imposing further economic penalties on Russia if it fails to honor a ceasefire.- Frozen Russian Assets: The G7 holds €300 billion in frozen Russian central bank assets, mostly cash and government bonds seized after Moscow’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Leaders are considering using these assets to fund Ukraine’s war efforts and recovery.
- Trump’s Influence: Rubio signaled Trump’s hesitation to expand U.S. sanctions immediately, stating that the administration prefers to use diplomacy first to bring both sides to the negotiating table.
- Russian Strategy: Some Western officials suspect Russia is stalling, using ceasefire discussions as a delaying tactic while making military gains on the ground.
“The question is, are we actually moving towards a ceasefire, or is this just a strategic delay?” Rubio said.
UK and European Leaders Push for Stronger Action
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer led discussions with leaders from 25 countries, urging them to prepare to monitor any ceasefire agreement while keeping the option of stricter sanctions on the table.
“We can’t let Putin manipulate Trump’s peace deal,” Starmer said.
Key European Reactions:
- France and Germany, traditionally opposed to outright seizing Russian assets, are warming up to the idea.
- The UK and other allies are exploring ways to legally repurpose Russian state-held funds to assist Ukraine.
- Downing Street acknowledged that seizing the full assets outright is complex, but confirmed that “all options are being considered.”
“If Russia comes to the table, we must ensure it’s a serious and lasting peace. If not, we must maximize economic pressure,” Starmer emphasized.
Geopolitical Tensions Rise as Trump Navigates Ukraine Policy
- Trump’s approach to the Ukraine war has shifted as Putin hesitates to accept a ceasefire.
- Rubio hinted that Moscow, not just Kyiv, may need to make territorial concessions—contrary to earlier pressure solely on Ukraine.
- Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, has returned from Moscow, where he discussed the Russian stance with Putin’s team.
- Trump posted on Truth Social, calling his latest conversation with Putin “good and productive.”
“The ball is now in Russia’s court,” said Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, affirming strong G7 unity on Ukraine.
However, tensions remain within the G7 itself, with some U.S. officials watering down stronger language in the final communiqué to avoid disrupting ongoing negotiations with Russia.
Ukraine Responds to Ceasefire Talks
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains skeptical of Russia’s motives.
“The devil is in the details,” Zelenskyy warned. “Russia will use talks to stall, delay key processes, and prolong the war.”
Russia’s Recent Military Moves:
- Moscow’s forces have made gains in the Kursk region, an area Ukraine reclaimed last summer.
- Putin stated that Ukrainian troops in Kursk should surrender to align with Trump’s ceasefire appeal.
- Zelenskyy dismissed Moscow’s position, calling it a negotiation tactic meant to weaken Ukraine’s leverage.
Ukraine’s general staff has denied Russian claims that Ukrainian troops are surrounded. Fighting is ongoing.
What’s Next?
Upcoming Negotiations:
- Trump’s national security team will meet this weekend to assess Russia’s stance.
- The G7 continues discussions on stronger economic measures against Russia.
- European allies are closely monitoring Putin’s next moves before making final decisions on frozen Russian assets.
“Ceasefire and territorial negotiations will be the hardest parts,” Zelenskyy admitted. “The first requires courage, the second requires deep dialogue.”
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