The European Union (EU) has agreed to impose a new round of sanctions against Russia, threatening additional measures if Russia refuses the proposed 30-day unconditional ceasefire. The ceasefire proposal originates from the White House and the “Coalition of the Willing.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in direct peace talks in Turkey, which received endorsement from US President Donald Trump. However, the Kremlin has not confirmed whether Putin will travel to Istanbul for these discussions.
“I believe that if Putin does not arrive and plays games, it indicates he does not want to end the war,” Zelensky said.
Seventeenth Sanctions Package
The preliminary deal on the new sanctions represents the 17th package since February 2022. EU ambassadors sealed this agreement during a meeting on Wednesday morning. The package is expected to receive formal approval from foreign affairs ministers next week.
Hungary, a vocal critic of economic restrictions, did not oppose the new measures this time, though it almost blocked the renewal of sanctions twice, earlier this year. Diplomats noted that discussions among member states proceeded without major controversy, indicating limited scope for the proposal.
“This war has to end. We will keep the pressure high,” stated Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission.
The primary target of the sanctions is the “shadow fleet” that Russia uses to circumvent Western restrictions on oil trade. This fleet consists of old, uninsured ships suspected of deceptive practices that include transmitting falsified data and turning off transponders to avoid detection.
So far, the EU has targeted 153 tankers from the shadow fleet, denying them access to EU ports and services. The new sanctions will add almost 200 vessels, bringing the total to over 350. Additionally, the agreement blacklists 75 individuals and companies involved in Russia’s military industrial complex.
Further Economic Pressure
With the 17th package nearly complete, Brussels is already considering the next steps. The lack of progress on the diplomatic front has fueled calls across Europe for tightening economic pressure on Russia. This strategy aims to force Putin to accept a ceasefire, but the Kremlin shows no willingness to engage.
“We can confirm that, in the absence of a ceasefire, we are indeed looking into further sanctions,” a Commission spokesperson stated on Tuesday.
In a late-night address, French President Emmanuel Macron mentioned potential targets, including Russia’s financial services, oil, and gas sectors. He emphasized the need for coordination with Washington to impose these sanctions.
Objective of the Sanctions
Europe’s objective is to achieve a thirty-day ceasefire on land, air, and sea. This ceasefire would facilitate discussions regarding territories and security guarantees. However, any new plan, especially if it is hard-hitting, may face resistance from Hungary.
While Budapest eventually agreed to renew existing sanctions, Brussels remains concerned about the potential for vetoes. The EU is currently considering alternative methods to ensure the extensive sanctions regime remains in place.
“We are exploring all options,” Valdis Dombrovskis, the European Commissioner for Economy, stated on Tuesday. “Those are difficult discussions, but we have agreed on numerous sanctions packages through the unanimity procedure.”
