**EU to Decide on New Russia Sanctions Package on May 20**
The European Union (EU) will vote on a new sanctions package against Russia on May 20, announced German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. This decision comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin failed to show up for talks with Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Istanbul.
On Tuesday, May 16, Merz confirmed the sanctions plan was complete and would be decided “in Brussels on Tuesday,” May 20. The announcement follows a summit in Istanbul, which was originally proposed by Putin after the EU demanded a 30-day unconditional ceasefire or new sanctions. US President Donald Trump backed the ceasefire call but later dropped the precondition, urging Zelenskyy to meet Putin directly.
**Putin Excluded from Russian Delegation**
In his tweet, Merz commented on the negotiations in Türkiye, saying that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Türkiye despite the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin. “The fact that President Zelenskyy traveled to Türkiye anyway is an enormous concession. Putin did not show up – he alone has put himself in the wrong.”
Earlier, Putin proposed to renew Istanbul negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, which failed back in 2022, as Russia demanded Ukraine’s de facto capitulation—demands that remain unchanged to this day. In response, Zelenskyy publicly called for Putin’s personal participation.
The Kremlin initially avoided confirming whether Putin would attend. On the evening of May 14, Russia released its delegation list, which excluded the president. The Russian delegation closely mirrors that of 2022 and consists of low-ranking officials. It is expected to meet with the Ukrainian delegation on May 16.
**Germany and Allies Consider Russian Asset Confiscation**
One day earlier, on May 15, Merz stated in an interview with Zeit that Germany and its allies would move to confiscate frozen Russian sovereign assets, provided the legal basis exists. Around $300 billion of sovereign Russian assets were frozen by the US and allies after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
According to Reuters, Merz told Zeit, “If there is a way to mobilize the money on a sound legal basis, we will do it.” He added that the move carried risks for the European financial market, particularly regarding the euro’s role as a reserve currency. Additional measures targeting Russia’s energy and banking sectors are under consideration, as well as sanctions against individuals.
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