EU leaders pledge to maintain pressure on Putin until he is ready for peace talks with Ukraine
Photo: Ursula von der Leyen (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
The EU intends to increase pressure on Moscow until Vladimir Putin is ready for peace talks with Ukraine, France24 reports, citing European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The European high-ranking official said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy "was ready to meet," but "Putin did not show up." "This shows one thing: President Putin does not want peace," Ursula von der Leyen said upon arriving at the European Political Community summit in Tirana.
"We want peace, and we must increase the pressure until President Putin is ready for it," the European Commission President added, referring to new sanctions that are being prepared.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas believes that the latest developments in the negotiations on Ukraine show that Russia does not want peace and calls to "put pressure" on Moscow.
"We clearly see that Russia does not want peace, and everyone else does," Kallas said in Tirana.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that Putin made a "mistake" by sending a "second-tier team" to the negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul.
"I think that Putin made a huge mistake," Rutte stated after arriving at the European Political Community Summit in Tirana. "He fully understands that the ball is in his court, that he is in a difficult position, and that he made a huge mistake," NATO Secretary General continued.
New sanctions
According to Politico, EU and UK leaders are looking for ways to deliver a "knockout blow" to the Russian economy. The plan is inspired by a proposal from Republican Lindsey Graham, who suggested imposing 500% sanctions on Russian exports. Potential measures against Moscow could include tariffs on Russian exports or a full trade embargo.
In addition, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that a new sanctions package against Russia could be approved on May 20.
