Ukraine’s Allies Hit Russia With New Sanctions/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Following stalled peace talks and a fruitless Trump-Putin call, Ukraine’s allies imposed sweeping new sanctions on Russia. The EU and UK targeted oil shipments and weapons supply chains, citing Russia’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire. Kyiv accuses Moscow of stalling to prolong the war.
Russia Sanctioned Again After Talks Stall Quick Looks
- EU and UK announced new sanctions against Russia on Tuesday.
- Sanctions target Russia’s shadow oil fleet and weapons supply chains.
- Trump’s call with Putin failed to yield a breakthrough on Ukraine ceasefire.
- Germany calls for an “unconditional and immediate” Russian ceasefire.
- Ukraine accuses Russia of stalling to continue occupation and warfare.
- Putin’s demands include NATO withdrawal and control over Ukrainian regions.
- Ukraine’s proposed 30-day ceasefire was met with broad Russian conditions.
- Russian drones struck Ukraine overnight, injuring civilians.
- European leaders skeptical of Putin’s motives after latest talks.
- U.S. has threatened more sanctions but hasn’t acted yet.
Deep Look: Europe Imposes New Sanctions on Russia After Ceasefire Talks With Trump, Putin Falter
KYIV, Ukraine — May 20, 2025 — With no progress in sight following recent diplomatic efforts, including a high-profile call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukraine’s European allies have rolled out fresh sanctions on Moscow aimed at increasing pressure to end the three-year war.
Announced Tuesday, the latest sanctions from the European Union and United Kingdom target Russia’s covert “shadow fleet” of oil tankers as well as military supply chains, signaling growing frustration with Moscow’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire.
Germany, UK Lead Sanction Effort
“We have made clear again and again that we simply expect one thing from Russia now: namely, a ceasefire, unconditional and immediate,” said German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, supporting the EU’s action.
The EU’s sanctions cover nearly 200 ships linked to Russia’s illicit oil exports, as well as travel bans and asset freezes for several Russian officials and companies. Ukraine accuses these ships—often of unknown ownership—of dodging sanctions and funneling oil revenue into the Kremlin’s war effort.
The UK imposed 100 new sanctions, focusing on Russia’s arms supply networks and reinforcing efforts to dismantle the oil fleet.
“Putin’s latest strikes once again show his true colors as a warmonger,” said UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
Trump’s Peace Push Falters
President Trump’s phone calls with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday offered a moment of hope, but yielded no significant progress.
Putin offered a vague commitment to a “memorandum” for a future peace deal but attached no concrete concessions. Critics saw it as a stalling tactic.
“It appears that Putin has devised a way to offer Trump an interim, tangible outcome… without making any real concessions,” said Tatiana Stanovaya of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center.
Zelenskyy, on his Telegram channel, was blunt: “Russia is trying to buy time to continue the war and occupation.”
Ukraine’s Ceasefire Offer Rejected
Ukraine had offered a 30-day ceasefire, which Russia effectively dismissed by issuing broad demands that included:
- Ukraine must renounce NATO membership
- Make military reductions
- Withdraw forces from four contested regions under partial Russian control
Putin’s refusal to meet with Zelenskyy directly, despite repeated requests, further dimmed hopes of real progress.
“Russia actually doesn’t want to end this war,” said Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas added, “We haven’t seen pressure on Russia from these talks.”
Overnight Drone Strikes Injure Civilians
As talks failed, the violence continued. Russia launched 108 Shahed drones and decoys at Ukraine overnight, according to the Ukrainian air force. One drone hit a passenger bus in Kherson, injuring two civilians.
Kyiv says Moscow’s increased aggression is part of a deliberate strategy to gain leverage in peace negotiations and prolong the conflict into the summer.
Mixed Messages From the Kremlin
Russian media portrayed Monday’s Trump-Putin call as a win. RIA Novosti ran the headline, “Europe’s hopes crushed: Trump refuses to go to war with Putin.” Kremlin-friendly columnist Mikhail Rostovsky declared that Trump is cutting off Ukraine’s diplomatic options.
“Kyiv will agree to a serious conversation with Russia only if it has no other options left. Trump is gradually cutting off these other options for Zelenskyy,” he wrote.
Ukrainians Skeptical of Peace Promises
In Ukraine, there’s little optimism. Svitlana Kyryliuk, 66, told the AP, “Peace is not possible now. Only when [Russia] runs out of resources and army manpower. They are ready to fight.”
Volodymyr Lysytsia, a serviceman recovering in Kyiv, said Russia has turned eastern Ukraine into a “wasteland of scorched earth.”
Ukrainian officials and citizens alike believe Putin’s promise of future cooperation is aimed at delaying action while continuing territorial expansion and occupation.
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