Europe Increases Pressure on Russia with New Ukraine Sanctions

European Union leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have united to increase pressure on Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for a just and lasting peace. They support an immediate ceasefire based on current front lines and reject changes to international borders by force, while accusing Russia of using stalling tactics to prolong the conflict. Despite reported tensions between US President Donald Trump and Zelensky, with Trump perceived as more conciliatory toward Russia, the EU is advancing its support for Ukraine, including plans to use frozen Russian assets to provide a substantial "reparation loan" to Ukraine post-war. The EU also plans to adopt a 19th package of sanctions targeting Russian energy imports and the shadow fleet circumventing oil embargoes, although some member states like Hungary and Slovakia have shown resistance. Additionally, the EU is preparing to deepen military collaboration with Ukraine, including training and equipment manufacture, and is discussing potential adjustments to policies such as the EU Green Deal to secure broader consensus. Overall, the EU is demonstrating a firm stance against Russia while navigating internal and external political complexities, including US policy shifts under President Trump.