Germany’s Top Diplomat Expects New US Sanctions Against Russia

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said after meeting his US counterpart Marco Rubio that he’s optimistic Washington will issue new sanctions against Russia if President Vladimir Putin continues to dodge a peace agreement with Ukraine.

“We have a common position regarding Ukraine,” Wadephul said in Washington after a 45-minute meeting with Rubio on Wednesday. “Here in the United States, over 80 senators are prepared to consider and pass a sanctions bill in Congress. That is not in the hands of my interlocutor today, but of the Senate. But he, like me, assumes that if Putin continues his attitude of denial, action will be taken.”