EU weighs 17th sanctions package on Russia amid ceasefire push
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As calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine grow, the EU debates new sanctions on Russia while internal divisions, led by Hungary, threaten to complicate a unified response.
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A family picture following talks of the "Weimar+" group focused on Ukraine and the future of European security in London, Monday, May 12, 2025. (Adrian Dennis/Pool Photo via AP)
The European Union is preparing a new round of sanctions on Russia as the conflict in Ukraine shows no sign of de-escalation, according to European Commission Chief Spokesperson Paula Pinho.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Pinho confirmed that the absence of a ceasefire has prompted the bloc to consider additional punitive measures.
“We can confirm that in the absence of a ceasefire, as noted by several leaders, including [EU High Representative] Kaja Kallas and [European Commission] President Ursula von der Leyen, we are indeed looking into further sanctions,” Pinho said.
The measures under discussion would constitute the EU’s 17th sanctions package, expected to be finalized during the bloc’s upcoming foreign ministers’ meeting on May 20.
Despite widespread support among member states, Hungary remains a vocal opponent of the EU’s existing sanctions regime, which is set to expire in July unless unanimously renewed for another six months. Budapest has consistently criticized sanctions for their economic impact and has threatened to block any further extensions.
Hungary's resistance poses a significant challenge to EU unity, especially as the bloc considers escalating economic pressure on Moscow in light of the stalled ceasefire process.
Putin offers talks as Western leaders visit Kiev
Amid renewed diplomatic efforts, the leaders of France, Germany, Poland, and the UK traveled to Kiev over the weekend as part of a self-described “coalition of the willing.” Following talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the group endorsed an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, slated to begin Monday.
Hours later, Russian President Vladimir Putin released a statement proposing the resumption of direct Russia-Ukraine peace talks. He suggested Istanbul as the venue, with talks proposed for May 15, and emphasized that negotiations could begin without preconditions.
Former US President Donald Trump weighed in on the development, urging Zelensky to accept the Russian offer “immediately.” In response, Zelensky reiterated his openness to dialogue and confirmed his willingness to meet Putin in Turkey for direct discussions.
As Ukraine ceasefire negotiations take shape, the EU’s stance on further sanctions is expected to remain a key pressure point in the broader effort to de-escalate the conflict. The outcome of the Putin-Zelensky Istanbul meeting could significantly impact the EU’s diplomatic and economic strategies moving forward.
Read more: Russia ties ceasefire to halting US, EU arms to Ukraine
