The European Union is working on a new package of sanctions against Russia to increase pressure on President Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday at the European Political Community summit in Tirana.
The event, which brought together leaders from across Europe, including non-EU countries, discussed measures to address the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, Russian and Ukrainian negotiators met in Istanbul for the first direct peace talks in more than three years, under pressure from US President Donald Trump.
Von der Leyen said the new sanctions would include measures against "Nord Stream 1" and "Nord Stream 2", as well as expanding the list of sanctioned ships from Russia's hidden fleet. A reduction in the oil price ceiling and additional restrictions on the Russian financial sector are also planned.
The Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines were built by the Russian state company Gazprom to transport natural gas to Germany, but were damaged by explosions in 2022. European officials have stressed that the new sanctions will require US support to be effective.
At the forum, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine's priority was to achieve an unconditional ceasefire that would create conditions for future peace talks.
The talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul ended without progress after less than two hours. Vladimir Putin offered direct talks with Ukraine in Turkey, but refused to meet Zelensky in person, sending a mid-level delegation. A Ukrainian source described Moscow's demands as "unrealistic".
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Putin's decision to send a low-level delegation showed a lack of seriousness about peace. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also described the Russian position as "clearly unacceptable".
The French president, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the leaders of Poland and Britain expressed support for Ukraine and stressed the need for closer coordination with the United States. Merz noted that Europe must strengthen its defense capabilities and keep American support on its side.