German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of delaying peace efforts in Ukraine and called for stricter EU sanctions, especially targeting Russian energy exports.

Pistorius said Russia’s continued attacks show it is not serious about negotiations and is using diplomacy to buy time, Reuters reported.

Following Putin’s recent call with US President Donald Trump, EU leaders agreed to increase pressure on Moscow if it refuses an unconditional ceasefire.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called Putin's stance hypocritical, while EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas urged the United States to join the EU in taking greater action. She pointed out that Ukraine had already accepted a cease-fire agreement over 60 days ago, which Russia refused, according to Reuters.