Russia is only playing for time in Ukraine peace talks, Germany says

FILE PHOTO: German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius speaks at the joint press conference on the day of the meeting of the European Group of Five Defence Ministers at the Italian Air Force Headquarters in Rome, Italy May 16, 2025. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez/File Photo

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius on Tuesday accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of not really being interested in peace in Ukraine, saying he was only playing for time in talks with the United States.

Europe needs to increase the pressure on Russia by imposing more sanctions, especially on Russia's energy sales, Pistorius added.