EU and UK impose new sanctions on Russia amid ceasefire deadlock

The EU and UK unveiled new sanctions targeting Russia’s shadow oil fleet and financial networks, acting independently of the US after talks failed to yield a Ukraine ceasefire.

The EU and UK imposed new sanctions on Russia, targeting oil tankers and financial firms helping Moscow evade existing restrictions. The move follows a failed phone call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, which did not produce a ceasefire in Ukraine.

While European leaders had urged Washington to join, the latest measures were introduced without U.S. participation. The sanctions aim to crack down on Russia’s shadow fleet used to bypass the G7’s $60 oil price cap.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the move, calling sanctions a key tool in holding Russia accountable.

Russia and Ukraine held their first direct talks in over three years on Trump’s initiative, but they ended without a truce. Kyiv said it accepted Trump’s ceasefire plan, but Moscow demanded prior negotiations — a stance the EU says shows Putin’s unwillingness to end the war.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said a new sanctions package is underway to increase pressure on Moscow. Foreign ministers from France, Germany, and the UK also called for firm action, accusing Russia of prolonging the conflict.

Moscow dismissed Western pressure as ultimatums. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Russia was ready for peace talks and placed the next step on Kyiv.

The new sanctions may also include lowering the oil price cap to further cut Russia’s revenue. Brussels and London say they still hope the U.S. will join in coordinated measures soon.

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