**EU Preparing Strong Sanctions Against Russia, Says Zelensky**
The European Union is getting ready to impose a significant set of sanctions against Russia. This was revealed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a press conference on May 19. The reason behind these sanctions is Moscow’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire.
According to Zelensky, Ukraine and the EU are working together to put in place strict penalties against Russia. These sanctions will target various sectors of the Russian economy, although specific details were not provided by the President. What is clear, however, is that both Ukraine and the EU believe these measures will have a significant impact on Russia.
The Ukrainian President also mentioned that the US is expected to impose additional sanctions on Russia’s banks and energy sector when they see fit. This would be a crucial move, as it would severely limit Russia’s ability to operate its economy.
**US Leaders Hold Phone Calls with Zelensky and Putin**
Earlier on May 19, US President Donald Trump spoke separately to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky over the phone. The conversation was likely centered around the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the calls for a ceasefire. Unfortunately, despite international pressure, Putin refused to agree to a full, unconditional ceasefire.
**The Impact of EU Sanctions**
These new sanctions from the EU will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences for Russia. The energy sector is a critical part of the Russian economy, and any damage to this area would likely lead to significant economic losses. Banks are also a crucial component of any country’s economy, so targeting them would limit Russia’s ability to finance its operations.
It remains to be seen how effectively these sanctions will be implemented and whether they will achieve their intended goal. One thing is certain, however: the situation in Ukraine continues to deteriorate, and international pressure on Russia is mounting.
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