Europeans to up pressure on Russia with sanctions after Trump-Putin call, Germany says

BERLIN, May 19 (Reuters) - European leaders agreed to increase pressure on Russia through sanctions after U.S. President Donald Trump briefed them on his call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a German government spokesperson said.

"The U.S President and the European partners agreed on the next steps. They agreed to closely coordinate the negotiation process and to endeavour to hold a further technical meeting," the spokesperson said after Trump briefed the Europeans.

"All sides reaffirmed their willingness to closely accompany Ukraine on the path to a ceasefire. The European participants announced that they would increase the pressure on the Russian side through sanctions."