EU, UK place additional sanctions on Russia regardless of US worries
(MENAFN) The European Union and the United Kingdom introduced new sanctions against Russia on Tuesday, intensifying pressure on Moscow while continuing their support for Ukraine. These measures were unveiled shortly after a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, who cautioned that additional sanctions might obstruct progress toward peace in the Ukraine conflict.
The European Council approved its 17th sanctions package, targeting nearly 200 vessels linked to what EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described as Russia’s “shadow fleet.” These ships are allegedly used to bypass the G7-imposed price cap on Russian oil exports. Kallas also hinted that more sanctions are being considered.
In coordination, the UK added 18 vessels from the same network to its sanctions list. Additionally, Britain imposed penalties on the St. Petersburg Currency Exchange and Russia’s state deposit insurance agency, aiming to disrupt key financial infrastructure. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy claimed the actions were intended to hold President Putin accountable for hindering peace efforts.
Meanwhile, Russian and Ukrainian delegations held their first direct talks since 2022, when Kyiv exited negotiations following advice from then-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to pursue a military victory instead. European supporters of Ukraine initially backed Kyiv’s request for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire and threatened more sanctions if Russia didn’t agree. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky softened his stance after the Trump administration endorsed Putin’s call for renewed diplomacy.
Zelensky later demanded that Putin meet him in Türkiye as proof of good faith—a condition not proposed by Russia. Ukrainian officials continue to push for expanded sanctions, accusing Moscow of failing to engage sincerely in peace efforts.
The Putin-Trump call was described by both sides as constructive. Trump expressed confidence that Putin is open to resolving the conflict and warned that more economic pressure might jeopardize U.S.-led mediation. Putin, for his part, suggested drafting a formal peace roadmap that could include a ceasefire as an early step.
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