European powers have forged ahead with fresh sanctions on Russia, intensifying pressure on Moscow – and on Washington – to act decisively for a credible peace agreement in Ukraine.
France has joined Britain and the European Union in unveiling a fresh round of sanctions against Russia, targeting the Kremlin’s efforts to dodge existing restrictions through shadowy oil shipments and financial networks.
The new measures, announced on Tuesday, come as European leaders ramp up pressure on the United States to follow suit after a recent call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin failed to produce any breakthrough on a ceasefire in Ukraine.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot struck a defiant tone, urging collective resolve: “Let us push Vladimir Putin to put an end to his imperialist fantasy”.
France has been at the forefront of diplomatic efforts, with President Emmanuel Macron and his counterparts from Britain, Germany, and Poland recently visiting Kyiv, underlining Europe’s united stance.
'Sanctions matter'
The new sanctions are focused on curbing Russia’s so-called "shadow fleet" of oil tankers, which has helped Moscow circumvent a $60-a-barrel price cap imposed by the G7.
Brussels and London announced plans to tighten enforcement and lower the cap further in light of declining global oil prices.
Financial firms that have facilitated these operations are also in the crosshairs.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the move, writing on Telegram: “Sanctions matter, and I am grateful to everyone who makes them more tangible for the perpetrators of the war".
The sanctions package was rolled out without immediate participation from Washington, despite strong lobbying by European leaders.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy made clear that the lack of American action would not derail Europe’s momentum.
“Delaying peace efforts will only redouble our resolve to help Ukraine defend itself and to restrict Putin’s war machine,” he said.
EU approves new sanctions package targeting Russia's 'shadow fleet'
No agreement after Trump-Putin call
The transatlantic divergence follows Monday’s phone call between Trump and Putin, which yielded no agreement on halting hostilities.
Trump later told reporters in Washington, “We’re looking at a lot of things, but we’ll see,” offering no specific commitment.
European leaders have been actively pushing for US alignment, with several contacting Trump ahead of his call with Putin, urging him to support new sanctions should Russia continue rejecting a ceasefire.
So far, their appeals have not swayed the White House into action.
Meanwhile, the diplomatic impasse continues as talks between Russia and Ukraine – facilitated at Trump’s request – took place last Friday for the first time in over three years, but ended without a deal. Kyiv expressed willingness for an immediate ceasefire, while Moscow insisted on preliminary talks.
Ukrainian negotiators described Russia’s conditions as “non-starters”.
France leads EU push for tougher Russia sanctions amid ceasefire stalemate
Additional sanctions
Meanwhile, EU Foreign Ministers meeting in Brussels, echoed a hardening stance, with Germany's Johann Wadephul stating: “We have repeatedly made it clear that we expect one thing from Russia – an immediate ceasefire without preconditions".
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also announced that an additional sanctions package is in the works.
“It’s time to intensify the pressure on Russia to bring about the ceasefire,” she posted on X after speaking with President Zelensky.
In Moscow, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Russia “will never bow to ultimatums,” adding that the ball is now “in Kyiv’s court”.
