Zelenskyy urges new sanctions if Russia sabotages peace talks

Sky News reported the information.

Speaking at the summit in Tirana, Zelenskyy said that the world "must respond" to Russia if its peace efforts turn out to be "theatrical."

"The world must respond, there needs to be a strong reaction including sanctions against Russia's energy sector and banks. Pressure must continue to rise until real progress is made," the president emphasized.

Zelenskyy repeated calls for a ceasefire: "We need a full stop to the killing long enough to give diplomacy a real chance."

He also reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire, emphasizing that this is the first step to create a "solid basis for diplomacy."

 "Our number one priority is a full, unconditional and honest ceasefire. This must happen immediately to stop the killing and create a solid basis for diplomacy," Zelenskyy emphasized. "And if the Russian representatives in Istanbul today cannot even agree to that, to a ceasefire ... then it will be 100% clear that Putin continues to undermine diplomacy."

Zelenskyy's arrival in Albania was earlier confirmed to Espreso by the Presidential Office.

“Yes, the President is already in Albania to participate in the EPC summit,” said presidential spokesman Serhii Nykyforov.

What will be discussed during the summit? 

According to Politico, in Tirana, Albania, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Turkish President Recep Erdogan will meet to discuss ways to end the war in Ukraine.

According to four European officials speaking to the publication, the main topic of the summit will be a sharp increase in sanctions against Moscow. Two Politico sources said that the introduction of punitive tariffs on imports from Russia is currently being discussed.

The authors noted that the EU has already imposed significant sanctions since the full-scale invasion in 2022 but has so far refrained from a complete trade embargo against Russia.

For reference: The European Political Community (EPC) is a platform for political and strategic discussions about Europe’s future, established in 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

• As a reminder, on May 15, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy flew to Albania after visiting Turkey and holding a series of meetings there.