The UK and European Union have announced major sanctions against Russia as talks between US President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin failed to yield meaningful concessions from Moscow. The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accused Russia of “buying time” to continue its war and occupation.
The EU has approved sanctions targeting Russia’s shadow fleet of about 200 vessels, which the bloc claims are used to finance killings and build up Moscow’s military industry. More sanctions are in the pipeline, according to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
Western countries have imposed an embargo on Russia’s oil industry after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and banned services for ships transporting Russian crude. In response, Moscow has relied on its shadow fleet to continue exports.
The new sanctions come as Trump appeared to back away from demands for a full, unconditional ceasefire in his conversation with Putin. The US president suggested that talks between the two sides would begin “immediately,” but did not pressure Russia to declare an immediate ceasefire.
EU leaders were reportedly surprised by Trump’s depiction of his conversation with Putin, which they saw as a sign of waning enthusiasm for engagement with attempts to end the war in Ukraine. Instead, Trump seemed to defer to Moscow and back its call for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
The new sanctions underlined the failure of Trump’s attempted mediation in the war, as it became clear that Russia has not changed its position on demands for a ceasefire. The US is now focusing on persuading Europe to match its rhetoric with more sanctions and military aid.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy welcomed the EU sanctions, but emphasized the need for clear and realistic proposals from Russia if the war is to end at the negotiating table. He also accused Russia of trying to prevent resumption of direct dialogue, saying that Moscow never responds to ultimatums.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/20/sanctions-russia-uk-europe-putin-trump-call