European leaders called for new sanctions to force Putin to the negotiating table after he skipped direct Russia–Ukraine peace talks in Turkey.
European leaders discussed levying new sanctions against Russia on May 16, as a peace settlement between Moscow and Kyiv remains elusive.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined a gathering of his European counterparts at the European Political Community summit in Tirana, Albania, on Friday to discuss regional security concerns, against the backdrop of the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war.
The Albania summit came on the same day Russian and Ukrainian representatives met in Istanbul, Turkey, for the first direct talks between the belligerent countries since March of 2022.
Zelenskyy had sought a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey, but Putin declined the offer.
“If it turns out that the Russian delegation really is just theatrical and can’t deliver any results today, the world must respond,” Zelenskyy said, as he addressed his fellow European leaders in Tirana.
“There needs to be a strong reaction, including sanctions against Russia’s energy sector and banks. Pressure must continue to rise until real progress is made.”
Addressing those in attendance at the Albania summit, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer likewise accused Putin of slow-walking the peace talks, “and playing games whilst Ukraine has shown itself to be the party of peace.”
European nations have continued to raise sanctions against Russia since Putin ordered his forces to march on Ukraine in 2022.
Last weekend, European leaders reiterated demands for Putin to agree to a 30-day cease-fire by May 12. Their deadline came and went without the Russian leader bowing to their demands.
Addressing those in attendance at the Albania summit, Starmer insisted the European community follow through on its sanctions threat.
“Having issued that ultimatum, we must be prepared to follow through, because if Russia won’t come to the negotiating table, Putin must pay the price,” Starmer said.
Addressing the gathering, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen touted existing sanctions on Russia’s oil and gas industry and announced, “We are working on a next set of sanctions.”
By Ryan Morgan
