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Leaders agree to strengthen sanctions as Russia refuses peace deal in Istanbul negotiations with Ukraine
European leaders have agreed to take stronger joint actions against Russia after it refused to agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine. This decision came during a summit held on Friday in Albania’s capital, Tirana. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made the announcement after meeting with other European leaders and holding a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The talks between Russia and Ukraine took place earlier in the day in Istanbul. These were the first face-to-face negotiations between the two countries in over three years. The meeting was short, lasting less than two hours. While both sides agreed on a significant prisoner exchange—the largest since the war started in 2022—they could not agree on a ceasefire.
Prime Minister Starmer said that after speaking with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and later with President Trump, the European countries and the U.S. are now coordinating their responses closely.
“We had a meeting with President Zelenskyy, and then we called President Trump to talk about what happened in today’s talks,” Starmer said. “Russia’s position is clearly not acceptable. So now, we are working together more closely to respond.”
French President Emmanuel Macron also commented on the situation. He said that if Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to refuse a ceasefire, there will need to be stronger actions taken. One of those actions would be increasing sanctions, which are penalties or restrictions aimed at hurting Russia’s economy and forcing them to change their behavior. Macron mentioned that these new sanctions are currently being reviewed and prepared by both European countries and the United States.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen added that more pressure needs to be put on Russia. She explained that the new sanctions will focus on a “shadow fleet” of old cargo ships that Russia is using to avoid current international sanctions. These ships are helping Russia continue trading even though it is supposed to be under restrictions. The new measures will also target the Nord Stream pipeline system and Russian banks.
President Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine remains committed to ending the war peacefully. However, he urged European countries to increase the pressure on Russia, especially by targeting its energy sector and banking system. He said that as long as Putin avoids serious negotiations, there is a need for stronger actions.
NATO’s new Secretary-General, Mark Rutte, also criticized Russia’s approach to the talks. He pointed out that Russia sent a low-level delegation to Istanbul, which showed a lack of seriousness. “Putin made a mistake by not sending senior officials,” Rutte said. “Now, the ball is in his court. He has to show he’s serious about peace.”
The summit in Albania brought together leaders from across Europe under the European Political Community. Their united stance signals a growing frustration with Russia’s unwillingness to end the conflict and a renewed commitment to support Ukraine.
In summary, the latest talks between Ukraine and Russia ended with little progress. While a major prisoner exchange was agreed upon, the bigger goal of a ceasefire remains out of reach. In response, European countries and the United States are preparing tougher sanctions on Russia. Leaders are hoping that increased pressure will force Putin to engage in real peace efforts.