Brussels – The European Union is poised to implement a new set of sanctions against Russia as international diplomatic tensions mount over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

With an initial approval from the EU's 27 member states anticipated as early as Wednesday, May 14, European authorities are finalizing a package of restrictive measures amid ongoing diplomatic outreach aimed at facilitating peace talks.

In the lead-up to this decisive moment, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has extended an invitation for direct discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, proposing a face-to-face meeting in Turkey to address ongoing hostilities.

However, as representatives of major EU nations—including France, Germany, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom, and Spain—signal a unified stance, they have warned that failure to agree to a cessation of violence by the end of the day could result in new sanctions against Russia.

German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that “time is running out” for Russia to agree to a 30-day truce beginning today.

This proposal has been publicly supported by leading European figures, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German political leaders.

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, articulated the collective sentiment that Russia should actively engage in peace negotiations, urging an end to what she termed a game of delay.

The Kremlin has responded firmly to the proposed ultimatum.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov articulated that the demands from EU leaders are “unacceptable” and underscored that dialogue with Russia cannot occur under threats or ultimatums.

This exchange highlights the growing friction between Russia and Western nations as they navigate the complexities of the geopolitical landscape.

Amid these diplomatic maneuvers, the European Union has reportedly been preparing its seventeenth sanctions package against Moscow, which builds on previous measures imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine earlier this year.

This upcoming package is expected to include additional restrictions targeting ships from what has been characterized as a 'shadow fleet,' which Russia is alleged to be using to circumvent existing trade embargoes on oil and other commodities.

Estimates suggest that there are nearly 200 vessels that could fall under the new restrictive measures.

Furthermore, discussions among member states are ongoing regarding potential sanctions on liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Russia and measures targeting the state-owned atomic energy conglomerate Rosatom.

Reports indicate that while there is considerable support for the new sanctions proposal, certain countries, particularly in the Baltic and Scandinavian regions, are advocating for further analysis before final approval.

The formal green light for the sanctions from COREPER, the Committee of Permanent Representatives of Member States, is anticipated shortly, with foreign ministers potentially finalizing the seventeenth sanctions package within a day following approval.

This development, however, hinges on the response from Moscow regarding the EU's initiative for a truce.