The United States, Germany, France and Britain have again urged Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine immediately.
US President Joe Biden, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson agreed in a video link "that the protection of the civilian population must have the highest priority and that Russia remains required to continue its illegal attack on Ukraine." immediately and withdraw his troops completely," said German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit on Monday in Berlin.
After the deliberations at a digital SPD event, Scholz said that the "unacceptable aggression" against Ukraine "must be rejected with all the options available to us".
At the same time, he made it clear that he is counting on the punitive measures decided against Russia having an effect.
"Now we have to hope that our clear stance, that our sanctions (...) make an impression, and that this will open up a little field for diplomatic efforts."
Every day, every hour counts.
"We must prevent this bloodshed from continuing."
Hebestreit said the Russian attack had caused dramatic human suffering in Ukraine and could not be justified by anything or anyone.
The four heads of state and government also discussed further options for humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
"They agreed that any diplomatic effort to resolve the crisis deserved support."