European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen known as for brand new sanctions towards Russia after President Vladimir Putin didn’t attend Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Istanbul, she stated on Might 16 through the European Political Neighborhood Summit.
The European Fee is making ready a brand new sanctions bundle, which would come with sanctions on the Nord Stream 1 and a pair of pipelines, extra listings of vessels from Russia's shadow fleet, a decrease oil worth cap, and sanctions on Russia's monetary sector, von der Leyen introduced.
The absence of Russia's prime management from the Istanbul negotiations — proposed by the Kremlin however attended solely by lower-ranking aides — was broadly considered as a sign that Moscow stays unwilling to interact in significant talks.
Whereas President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to attend and known as for Putin to satisfy head to head, Russia despatched a delegation headed by Putin's aide, Vladimir Medinsky. International Minister Sergey Lavrov and different high-level officers had been absent.
"President Zelensky was prepared to satisfy, however President Putin by no means confirmed up," von der Leyen stated. "This reveals that President Putin doesn’t need peace. So we’ve to extend the stress."
Von der Leyen's remarks echoed earlier warnings from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who stated on Might 13 that if Russia failed to indicate actual progress in peace talks, the EU would push for "vital tightening" of sanctions.
Ukrainian and Russian delegations concluded their talks in Istanbul on Might 16 after lower than two hours, with no settlement reached on an unconditional 30-day ceasefire.
Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us 
The proposed measures come amid mounting concern over Russia's capability to proceed circumventing sanctions utilizing its shadow fleet — growing older tankers that function below obscure possession and flag preparations to export sanctioned oil.
Ukraine lately sanctioned ship captains working on this community.
Though Nord Stream 2 was by no means activated, and Nord Stream 1 ceased operation after suspected sabotage in 2022, the transfer is symbolic. It goals to shut loopholes and stop future makes an attempt to revive Russian vitality exports to Europe.
In Washington, the U.S. Senate is making ready its personal response.
Republican lawmakers have superior the "Russian Sanctions Act of 2025," which incorporates sweeping measures similar to 500% tariffs on nations that proceed to purchase Russian vitality merchandise. At the very least 72 senators reportedly assist the invoice.
Regardless of rising frustration amongst allies, the White Home has not but imposed new sanctions or taken direct steps to penalize Russia for refusing a ceasefire.
Kyiv and European governments proceed to push for an unconditional truce, which Ukraine accepted in March. Moscow has ignored the provide and intensified its strikes on Ukrainian cities.
The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Denisova