It’s nine in the morning, but Michael Clauß kindly declines a cup of coffee. He already had two breakfast appointments, says the German EU ambassador, so his caffeine needs are covered. The next appointment is already scheduled, and it will take Clauß to the so-called confessional. The cabinet of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is once again sounding out in small groups what concerns the member states have about the new sanctions against Russia.