Russian invasion

Negotiations
Merz put his foot down on Ukraine and Trump's tariffs

A large part of Friedrich Merz's meeting with Donald Trump at the White House was devoted to the Iran war. The German Chancellor was careful not to clash too much with Trump on the issue, but had even more firm words about the Ukraine war and the tariffs, several media outlets report.

After the meeting, Merz said that he urged Trump to put more pressure on Russia in the Ukraine negotiations, and that Europe must be involved.

- We will not accept an agreement that is negotiated over our heads, he said, according to Reuters.

Merz also said that the EU is not willing to accept worse trade terms with the US, according to Bloomberg.

- The limit has been reached for what we are willing to accept regarding this disproportionate tariff burden..

Sanctions
Belgium demands millions to release Russian tanker

Belgium is demanding a ransom of over 100 million kronor to release the seized Russian oil tanker Ethera, writes Reuters.

The ship is part of the Russian shadow fleet. Belgian authorities discovered 45 violations, including that it was sailing under a false Guinean flag.

The crew of 20 men – a Russian captain, three Georgians, one Indonesian and the rest Indians – are being kept on board. The ship is not allowed to sail until the sum is paid and a follow-up inspection is carried out.

– With this operation, we comply with EU sanctions, protect the North Sea and strike against the financing of Russia's war in Ukraine, says Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken.