The European Union is preparing a new round of sanctions to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin over the ongoing war in Ukraine, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said during the European Political Community Summit in Tirana, Albania.
As Russia and Ukraine held their first direct peace talks in over three years in Istanbul, von der Leyen emphasized that Putin "does not want peace," prompting the EU to act. The upcoming sanctions package may target Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, expand restrictions on Russia's shadow fleet, lower the oil price cap, and impose further financial sector penalties.
Despite already adopting 17 sanctions packages, EU diplomats note growing difficulty in achieving unanimous agreement among the bloc’s 27 members. Officials acknowledge that any major new measures would require U.S. backing.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy prioritized an unconditional ceasefire as the foundation for future peace. However, the Istanbul negotiations ended in under two hours without progress, as Ukraine dismissed Russia’s demands as “non-starters.” Putin declined to attend personally, sending mid-level delegates instead—a move criticized by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer as evidence of Putin’s lack of commitment to peace.
Leaders from France, Germany, Poland, and the UK echoed Zelenskiy’s view that Russia’s stance is unacceptable. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed the need for stronger European defense capabilities and ongoing cooperation with the United States.
The summit, aimed at strengthening European unity, opened with a light-hearted video featuring leaders as animated babies welcoming attendees to Albania, a touch of levity from host Prime Minister Edi Rama amidst serious geopolitical discussions.