Plans by European Union leaders to impose new sanctions against Russia have failed due to the intervention of U.S. President Donald Trump. He urged Ukraine to “immediately” begin peace negotiations with Russia, which, according to diplomats, compelled President Volodymyr Zelensky to agree to the Kremlin’s proposal for a meeting in Istanbul. It is noted that Zelensky had no political space to refuse, as he feared losing Trump’s support.
This is reported by Finway
Coalition leaders arrived in Kyiv on May 10 to convince Trump that Russia is merely stalling and called for the implementation of strong economic sanctions. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham is working on a corresponding package that has broad support in Congress. However, following Trump’s remarks, these efforts lost their effectiveness.
The United Kingdom has postponed the introduction of new restrictions, but the EU still hopes to implement a new sanctions package by the end of May if a ceasefire is not reached. Among the possible sanctions are restrictions against the operator of the “Nord Stream 2” gas pipeline. New U.S. sanctions would be an important factor in pressuring the Kremlin, as they would demonstrate Trump’s political stance regarding Putin’s responsibility for escalating the conflict.
Thus, Europe is awaiting the results of the negotiations in Turkey before again urging the U.S. to impose new sanctions. However, the United States has not given a clear signal about whether they are prepared to introduce anti-Russian sanctions if attacks on Ukraine continue or if Putin refuses to negotiate.