Europe to wait for possible Putin–Zelenskiy talks before pushing new sanctions

European leaders plan to wait for a possible meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Istanbul on May 15 before urging the U.S. to impose new sanctions on Moscow, Bloomberg reported, citing sources.

Following talks on May 12 between American and European officials, it became clear that Washington prefers to allow a chance for direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv before increasing pressure on the Kremlin. Should Russia refuse the meeting or decline an immediate ceasefire, European leaders are expected to call on the U.S. president to follow through on previously stated sanctions threats.

At the same time, The Guardian, citing European diplomats, reports that Donald Trump’s statement urging Ukraine to “immediately” accept Putin’s offer for direct talks may complicate Europe’s efforts to secure American support for sanctions if Russia backs away from the proposed 30-day ceasefire.

On May 11, Putin offered to resume direct negotiations without preconditions in Istanbul. Zelenskiy confirmed his readiness and said he would personally wait for Putin in Turkey.

N.Tebrizli