**EU Warns of Sweeping Sanctions if Russia Fails to Make Progress in Ukraine**
As the world waits with bated breath for a potential meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, European leaders have issued a stern warning: make progress on ending the war in Ukraine this week or face significant tightening of sanctions.
Speaking at a news conference on May 13, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said EU leaders support Zelensky’s diplomatic push for a ceasefire but warn that if Putin refuses to engage seriously, they will work together to impose sweeping new sanctions. “We are waiting for Putin’s agreement,” Merz said. “And we agree that if there is no real progress this week, we want to work together at the European level for a significant tightening of sanctions.”
The EU has already imposed 16 sanctions packages since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, targeting military suppliers, Russian state entities, and individuals involved in the war. However, the next package, set to be unveiled on May 14, could target additional sectors of Russia’s economy, including energy and financial markets.
**A Meeting at Istanbul: What’s at Stake?**
The potential meeting between Zelensky and Putin has sparked hope that a ceasefire might finally be within reach. However, Russian officials have not confirmed whether Putin will attend the talks in Istanbul on May 15. If he does show up, it will be his first face-to-face meeting with Zelensky since the start of the war.
Zelensky has made it clear what’s at stake: an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, which Russia has so far rejected. “If Putin doesn’t show up, that’s the final signal that they are not ready to end the war,” Zelensky said. “That means all the promises of the United States, Europe, and other leaders must be fulfilled. This should be the strongest package of sanctions.”
**US Lawmakers Echo EU Warning**
In Washington, Republican lawmakers have echoed the call for punitive action against Russia. U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg told Fox Business that the “Russian Sanctions Act of 2025” is ready to go, and at least 72 senators support the legislation.
The bill includes sweeping financial penalties and 500% tariffs on countries that continue buying Russian oil, gas, or uranium. “And we’ve alerted President Putin to that — these sanctions are very serious,” Kellogg added.
As the world waits with bated breath for a breakthrough in Istanbul, one thing is clear: if Russia fails to make progress on ending the war in Ukraine this week, it will face significant consequences from both the EU and US.
