EU prepares new tough sanctions against Kremlin – von der Leyen considers peace talks futile
16 May 23:42
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the European Union is working on a large-scale package of new sanctions against Russia. She also expressed doubts about the effectiveness of negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv.
Politico reports this, citing von der Leyen’s comments during the European Political Community summit in Tirana, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
“We want peace and we have to put pressure,” she told reporters.
According to the head of the European Commission, the new sanctions will be more ambitious than those adopted the day before. The possible measures include restrictions on the Nord Stream gas pipeline, new sanctions against the Russian banking sector, and the so-called “shadow fleet” – old ships without a transparent owner and insurance, which Russia uses to circumvent oil sanctions.
In addition, the European Commission plans to reduce the price cap on Russian oil set by the G7 to make it more difficult for the Kremlin to sell energy.
However, the implementation of these steps may be difficult, especially due to Hungary’s resistance, European diplomats say.
Von der Leyen also confirmed that she is in constant consultations with the United States, in particular with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a well-known critic of the Russian president. Graham has proposed a package of sanctions, including punitive duties of up to 500%.
“We have considerable agreement on the areas where sanctions should be imposed,” von der Leyen emphasized.
Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump said that negotiations between Ukraine and Russia will not make progress until he meets with Putin himself.
In response to such statements, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte characterized Putin’s refusal to engage in dialogue as a “big mistake,” and EU Chief Diplomat Kaja Kallas emphasized that “the Russian leader is just playing games.”
“We can clearly see that Russia does not want peace,” Kallas summarized.
