Archive · 21 May 2025
EU/UK Sanctions on Russia Amidst US Hesitation and Calls for Peace
The EU and Britain have put in place new sanctions against Russia to try to get them to stop the war in Ukraine.
They did this without waiting for the US to join them.
The new rules target Russian money and oil trading.
A US official said the US might also impose new sanctions if peace talks don't go well.
President Trump has not made a decision on further actions.
EU and Britain imposed new sanctions on Russia on May 20, 2025, without US involvement.
The new sanctions target Russia's oil tankers and financial firms.
Germany expects the US to take action if Russia doesn't accept a ceasefire.
US Secretary Rubio stated potential new sanctions on Russia if peace talks stall.
Trump is assessing possible actions after the EU/UK sanctions, but offered no specifics.
- Who
- Trump, Putin, Zelensky, EU, UK, Rubio
- What
- New sanctions against Russia; Discussions regarding ceasefire
- When
- May 16, 19, 20, 2025
- Where
- Unspecified
- Why
- To pressure Russia to end the war in Ukraine.
EU/UK Stance
US Stance
Action on Russia
EU/UK Stance
Imposing sanctions early
US Stance
Waiting to take actions until they have all information to proceed
Negotiations
EU/UK Stance
Impose sanctions early
US Stance
Fear that threats of sanctions will stall the negotiation process.
- Key Players
- Trump, Putin, Zelensky, Rubio, Wadephul, Lammy, von der Leyen, Zakharova
- Date of Talks/Calls
- May 16 & 19, 2025; May 20, 2025 (EU/UK sanctions)
- Sanctions
- EU and UK implemented new sanctions
- US Stance
- Weighing actions regarding sanctions.
Sources
EU urges 'strong action' from US against Russia if no Ukraine truce
Russia ready to work toward ending fighting in Ukraine: Putin after call with Trump
EU, Britain go ahead with new Russia sanctions without waiting for Trump
