The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, stated on Friday that Vladimir Putin’s absence from the negotiations in Istanbul indicates his lack of interest in pursuing peace. As a result, the EU plans to implement its 18th sanctions package, which will target the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines as well as the Russian financial sector. Additionally, the Commission intends to propose a reduction in the price cap on Russian oil.
Speaking at a summit of European leaders in Tirana, held under the auspices of the European Political Community, von der Leyen highlighted that Putin’s actions make it clear that he is not seeking peace.
She outlined several key points: “Initially, he called for a ceasefire to commemorate the anniversary of May 9—an event marking the end of World War II—which he then failed to honor. Subsequently, Ukraine, with backing from the EU and the United States, requested a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire, which President Putin rejected. Lastly, the Kremlin suggested a direct meeting between Ukraine and Russia in Turkey, to which President Volodymyr Zelensky was willing to attend; however, President Putin did not appear.”
Von der Leyen asserted, “It is imperative that we intensify pressure on Putin until he is prepared to pursue peace.” She confirmed that the Commission is actively working on the 18th sanctions package, which will also include measures against the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines.
Previously, the Commission imposed sanctions on the Gazprom-owned consortium Nord Stream 2, based in Switzerland. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Germany decided not to activate Nord Stream 2, which had just been completed, while Russia itself cut off gas supplies through Nord Stream 1. Notably, EU sanctions had never affected the consortia managing these pipelines.
According to von der Leyen, the Commission will also propose lowering the price cap on Russian crude oil, a move that will need consensus within the G7, which includes the United States.
The sanctions package will also include measures targeting the Russian financial sector. Additionally, the Commission plans to blacklist more vessels from the so-called Russian shadow fleet that are involved in transporting oil to circumvent Western price limits.
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