EU and UK Intensify Pressure on Russia With Joint Sanctions

The European Union and the United Kingdom have jointly launched a new round of sanctions aimed at increasing pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine. These coordinated measures were announced amid growing diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire.

Both blocs are focusing on Russia’s covert oil operations, particularly its "shadow fleet" of tankers used to dodge Western sanctions. The EU is targeting 189 of these vessels. Meanwhile, the UK’s sanctions package also strikes at the heart of Russia’s weapons supply chains, including components for Iskander missiles, Kremlin-backed propaganda efforts, and financial networks that support sanction evasion.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that the EU is already preparing an 18th sanctions package, following the adoption of the 17th, in a continued effort to escalate pressure on Moscow. After speaking with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, von der Leyen posted on X, “It’s time to intensify the pressure on Russia to bring about the ceasefire.”

Al Jazeera’s Jonah Hull reported from London that the EU and UK were moving in lockstep, releasing their sanctions in tandem after signing a new defense and security agreement in London the previous day.

Reacting to the announcement, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova declared that Moscow would not surrender to ultimatums, accusing Europe of arming Ukraine to prolong the conflict.

The latest sanctions came just a day after U.S. President Donald Trump held a high-profile phone call with Putin, which failed to yield a ceasefire. No reciprocal action was announced by Washington, despite sustained appeals from European allies and Zelenskyy.

Following the call, Putin stated that Russia was open to working with Ukraine on a memorandum outlining a potential peace deal, including ceasefire terms and timelines. Zakharova emphasized that “the ball is in Kyiv’s court,” expressing hope that Ukraine would engage constructively.

However, Zelenskyy warned on Telegram that Russia’s moves were likely aimed at delaying tactics. “It is obvious that Russia is trying to buy time to continue the war and occupation,” he wrote, adding that international partners are working together to pressure Moscow into changing course.

In response to the coordinated actions, France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot advocated for even stronger measures to force Putin to abandon what he called an “imperialist fantasy.” German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius echoed this sentiment, saying Putin appears to be stalling for time and is not genuinely interested in peace.