**Zelensky Urges Trump to Enact Tougher Sanctions if Peace Talks Stall**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on US President Donald Trump to deliver a “strong new package” of sanctions against Russia if ongoing peace talks in Istanbul fail to produce results. Speaking at a joint summit of the Bucharest Nine and Nordic leaders in Vilnius, Zelensky warned that if Moscow derails the negotiations, the West must be ready to take decisive action.
“If the Istanbul meeting brings nothing, that clearly means strong new sanctions are urgently needed,” Zelensky said. “Sanctions should hit Russian energy – especially oil and tankers – price caps, of course, and also Russian banks and the financial sector overall.” This message comes as Ukrainian and Russian delegations prepare to meet in Istanbul on June 2 for a new round of peace talks.
**Previous Talks Yield Little Progress**
The previous rounds of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia have yielded little progress towards a ceasefire or peace deal. While they did result in the biggest prisoner exchange, Kyiv’s demands for a step-by-step peace proposal, starting with a 30-day ceasefire and the return of children deported to Russian-controlled areas, have been met with resistance from Moscow.
Russia has not submitted any formal memorandum ahead of the meeting and continues to demand a halt to Western military support for Kyiv – conditions that Ukraine deems unacceptable. Despite this, Zelensky expressed gratitude to leaders working to keep the transatlantic alliance strong and emphasized that Kyiv still aims to achieve some progress.
**Regional Security in Focus**
The summit also focused on regional security ahead of the NATO summit this June. Zelensky emphasized that Russia must not be allowed to influence NATO’s decisions or have any veto power over its enlargement. This rebuke comes as recent reports suggest Moscow is seeking written guarantees that the alliance will stop expanding.
**Ukraine Aims for Strength and Unity**
Zelensky said the upcoming NATO summit must deliver a message of strength and unity. “Putin chose to stand against Europe, so he has no place in deciding its future,” he said. “That must not change.” This sentiment is echoed by Zelensky’s statement that Ukraine needs the support of President Trump, the U.S. Congress, and the American people.
**A Message from Kyiv**
In a message to the international community, Zelensky emphasized the importance of defending freedom together. “Whatever happens in global competition, it is our shared duty – Europe’s, America’s, and everyone who values freedom – to defend it together.” This call for unity comes at a critical time as Ukraine continues to face Russian aggression.
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