Germany warns of tough measures if Russia continues airstrikes on Aleppo

German Chancellor Angela Merkel yesterday (October 21) demanded an immediate end to attacks by Syrian government forces and Russia in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo.

Speaking after the European Union Summit in Brussels (Belgium), Ms. Merkel said that the European Union will take measures against both sides if the air campaign continues.

“We declare that we will not only define measures against the Syrian government, but also measures against all those who cooperate with Syria in continuing to carry out air strikes in Aleppo. And in this case Russia is a partner of the Syrian government,” Merkel said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (photo: Getty)

According to the latest announcement from Russia, the humanitarian ceasefire in the Syrian city of Aleppo will be extended until 7 p.m. on October 22 (local time). At the meeting, European Union leaders also condemned Russia's airstrikes in Aleppo. However, the meeting also encountered deep divisions among member states regarding the pressure on Russia. Italy strongly opposed the imposition of new sanctions against Russia.

Regarding intra-bloc economic and trade issues, Chancellor Merkel expressed optimism that EU member states will find a solution to the current obstacles that have prevented the bloc from signing a free trade agreement with Canada.

All 28 European Union member states support the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with Canada. However, Canadian Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland announced today that trade talks between the European Union and Canada have failed, after facing opposition from the government of the Belgian region of Wallonia./.

According to VOV