**Ukraine’s President Zelensky Calls for Tougher EU Sanctions on Russia**
In a bold move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the European Union to impose tougher sanctions on Russia during the Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit in Odesa. The summit, which took place on June 11, brought together leaders from several southeastern European countries.
Zelensky argued that stronger financial pressure is necessary to curb Moscow’s war effort. He specifically called for a reduction in the price cap on Russian oil exports, saying that a ceiling of $30 per barrel would be more effective in changing Russia’s mindset. Currently, the EU has a price cap of $60 per barrel.
The push for tighter sanctions comes as Russia continues to reject ceasefire proposals and presses forward with military operations. Zelensky warned that Odesa remains one of Russia’s “main targets,” with plans to push beyond it toward the borders with Romania and Moldova. He compared the Kremlin’s strategy to its previous interference in the Balkans.
**Russia’s Strained Budget**
The Kremlin’s budget is increasingly strained by soaring military expenditures, with Russia’s Finance Ministry relying heavily on energy revenues to fund the war against Ukraine. Zelensky’s call for stronger sanctions aims to further reduce Russia’s access to energy revenue, which could cripple its ability to continue funding the war.
**EU Sanctions Package**
The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, announced earlier that the EU is considering lowering the oil price cap from $60 to $45 per barrel. This measure will be discussed at the upcoming G7 summit in Canada on June 15-17.
**Regional Stability Concerns**
Zelensky also expressed concerns about possible destabilization efforts in the broader region, comparing the Kremlin’s strategy to its previous interference in the Balkans. He warned that Odesa and the surrounding areas could be targets of Russian aggression, and that a stronger EU response is needed to prevent further instability.
**Leaders’ Response**
Several southeastern European leaders attended the summit, including Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Romania’s newly elected President Nicusor Dan. Vucic’s visit marked his first official trip to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The leaders’ response to Zelensky’s call for stronger sanctions remains unclear, but it is clear that the pressure on Russia will continue to build in the coming days and weeks.
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