EU, UK Escalate Sanctions Pressure on Russia Amid Ukraine Conflict

The European Union and the United Kingdom have introduced new coordinated sanctions targeting Russia's oil tanker fleet, weapons supply chains, and financial institutions to increase pressure on President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine. Despite these efforts and lobbying from European leaders and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, a recent phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Putin failed to secure a ceasefire commitment. Trump indicated he might impose sanctions if peace talks fail, but has not yet escalated measures, drawing criticism from EU officials and Republican lawmakers who urge stronger action, including a ready bipartisan sanctions bill in the Senate. Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics also called for more political and economic pressure on Russia, emphasizing the need for serious negotiations and an unconditional ceasefire. Russian officials have dismissed the sanctions as ultimatums and accused Europe of wanting to prolong the conflict by arming Ukraine. Overall, Western leaders remain united in increasing sanctions while awaiting meaningful progress from Russia on peace talks.