Merkel: "Russia Will Pay a Heavy Price if It Attacks Ukraine... Additional Sanctions Must Be Prepared"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] German Chancellor Angela Merkel recently warned Russia, which has been massively reinforcing its troops near the border with Ukraine, that it would pay a heavier price if it attacks Ukraine. She also emphasized the need for additional sanctions at the European Union (EU) level. As the possibility of a full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine arises early next year, military tensions in Eastern Europe are expected to escalate further.

On the 25th (local time), Chancellor Merkel held a joint press conference after talks with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in Berlin, stating, "If Russia carries out further attacks on Ukraine's sovereignty, it will pay a heavy price," and added, "It is time for the EU to unite against the pressure from Belarus, which is weaponizing migrants, and Russia on Ukraine." She further emphasized, "The EU should consider additional sanctions against Belarus and Russia."

Chancellor Merkel later held a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and reportedly agreed on the necessity of responding to Russia's threats. According to CNN, Russia currently has over 110,000 troops, including Russian forces and separatist rebels from eastern Ukraine, gathered near the Ukrainian border, and is reportedly planning a large-scale invasion between January and February next year.

As the threat of war looms over Ukraine, the UK government is also reportedly preparing measures to deter Russia's military movements. According to the BBC, the British military plans to redeploy approximately four battalions, including hundreds of armored vehicles and tanks that were withdrawn in February last year, to Germany. The UK government is expected to strengthen its overseas deployment forces beyond Germany.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.