U.K. and Europe Issue New Sanctions on Russia After Peace Efforts Stall

What Happened?

The U.K. and Europe have announced major sanctions Tuesday against Russia following a call between President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Moscow's 'shadow fleet' of oil tankers and financial companies would be the center of these sanctions that have reportedly helped Russia.

'Sanctions matter, and I am grateful to everyone who makes them more tangible for the perpetrators of the war,' Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram Tuesday.

Zelensky accused Russia of 'trying to buy time in order to continue its war and occupation.'

Many have grown more wary of Moscow after rejecting the U.S.-proposed ceasefire for 30 days that Ukraine had agreed to.

The move from London and Brussels comes despite the U.S. joining these efforts.

According to reports, the view of Trump's discussions with Putin failed to render any meaningful concessions.

'The longer Russia wages war, the tougher our response,' EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated during a meeting of foreign ministers.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul added, 'We have repeatedly made it clear that we expect one thing from Russia - an immediate ceasefire without preconditions.'

Why it Matters

Russia and Ukraine recently agreed to a prisoner exchange during peace talks last week in Istanbul, Turkey.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio helped the two sides agree to a 1,000-person exchange from each country as a confidence-building measure.

Both sides also agreed to share, in writing, their vision for a ceasefire as the ongoing war in Kyiv continues.

President Trump recently suggested that progress had been made following his two-hour call Monday with Putin and that ceasefire negotiations would begin 'immediately.'

But Trump has reportedly been urged by world leaders to pressure Russia with further sanctions.

During the Turkey summit, Ukrainian officials asked for a meeting between Zelensky and Putin.

Russian officials said the proposed meeting would be taken under advisement.

The European Union and Britain are among other nations that believe these peace efforts have just been reset.

How it Affects You

Russia's attempts to stall from committing to an unconditional ceasefire have been met with tougher challenges and newly imposed sanctions.

Trump told reporters that he wants to meet with Putin as soon as the two can set it up.

He insisted that Ukraine and Russia were ready to start negotiations, despite Putin telling officials that the process would take time.

Russian strikes continue to impact Ukraine as it displays a fresh military offensive.

Ukraine has reported 177 combat clashes with Russia and more than 1,000 casualties over the past 24 hours.

Trump’s failure to follow suit with added sanctions against Russia could be critical in the coming weeks to see war efforts escalate.