Germany says invasion halted as G7 warns of more sanctions

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to put Russia’s nuclear weapons on high alert shows his offensive in Ukraine is not going to plan, Germany’s defense minister says.

The announcement “crosses another line” and “is to do with the fact that, in [Putin’s] megalomania, the rapid invasion of Ukraine has been halted by Ukraine’s brave and determined actions,” Christine Lambrecht tells public broadcaster ZDF.

Meanwhile, leaders of the G7 group of wealthy nations are threatening fresh sanctions against Russia if it continues its invasion of Ukraine.

Calling for an end to the Russian operation, the joint statement from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States warns that failing that, the group would “take further steps” to add to the sanctions already announced.