The European Union adopted its 17th pack of sanctions against Russia. These measures particularly focus on vital sectors and respond directly to the impact of the war in Ukraine. This recent package of measures goes after the “shadow fleet” Russia has been using to evade restrictions. Most importantly, it inflicts draconian punishment on a wide range of industries.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has said that Russian president Vladimir Putin is “playing for time.” For one, he doesn’t believe that Putin really wants to reach a peaceful settlement in Ukraine. This sentiment reverberated as at least one civilian was reported killed, and 13 others injured, due to recent Russian attacks across multiple Ukrainian regions.
If those sanctions were imposed now. This decision is particularly notable given that the $60 per barrel cap on Russian seaborne oil negotiates on, continues to be a source of contention and discussion. Meanwhile, Ukrainian foreign minister Andriy Sybiha is urging the G7 countries to reduce the price cap to $30 per barrel. With this new announcement, he hopes to cut Russia’s oil export revenue even more.
Ukraine is firmly at the center of ongoing G7 discussions occurring in Canada. At the core of this discussions are efforts on sanctions and wider support for Ukraine. The UK government has accompanied this with commitments to 100 more Russian military, energy and financial sector sanctions. These measures specifically focus on individuals and entities involved in “Putin’s information war against Ukraine.”
Amid these escalations, Pope Francis confirmed his willingness to host the next round of negotiations aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed gratitude to the Pope for his commitment to peace. Most importantly, she appreciates his availability for hosting dialogues at the Vatican.
“Finding in the Holy Father confirmation of the readiness to host the next talks between the parties in the Vatican, the prime minister expressed deep gratitude to Pope Leo XIV for his unceasing commitment to peace.” – Giorgia Meloni
The atmosphere surrounding potential negotiations remains tense. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio expects Russia to be making its demands for a Ukraine ceasefire public any day now. He hopes this will come in the next few days. Speaking at the UN Security Council, he highlighted the need for an immediate ceasefire. Vladimir Putin needs to agree to that before they can negotiate any more detailed, final peace settlement.
“At some point here fairly soon – maybe in a number of days, maybe this week hopefully – the Russian side is going to present the terms.” – Marco Rubio
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been quite outspoken in charging that Russia is trying to use this process to buy time and extend the war. He is still pushing the point that any serious negotiations need to start with an acknowledgment of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
“Russia must explicitly acknowledge the legitimacy of the Ukrainian president, government, and constitution and Ukraine’s sovereignty in order to engage in meaningful, good-faith negotiations.” – Institute for the Study of War
The EU’s recent sanctions and international diplomatic engagement highlight an intricate tapestry of geopolitical friction. While world leaders focus on peace talks and negotiations to decrease war tensions, life for the average Ukrainian citizen is harsh.