The EU prepares for a possible meeting between Putin and Zelensky on May 15 and warns Russia about upcoming sanctions
On the eve of major diplomatic events in the region — the anticipated meeting between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky — the European Union is actively focusing on developments while urging Russia to immediately cease military actions. If this demand is ignored, Brussels is ready to impose new sanctions on the Kremlin, emphasizing its firm stance on ending the aggression. According to European Commission spokeswoman Paula Pínio, whom Brussels quoted on May 13, the European Union has not abandoned plans to tighten economic pressure on Russia if it fails to meet the conditions for a ceasefire. She emphasized that negotiations regarding possible additional sanctions are in their final stage and could be implemented at any moment depending on Moscow’s further actions. Special attention is given to the expected meeting this week between two leaders — Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky. According to the European Commission spokeswoman, Brussels is eagerly awaiting a positive signal from Moscow regarding the meeting. "We are looking forward to hearing about Putin’s readiness to meet with Zelensky on Thursday. At the same time, it seems that the Russian president was somewhat surprised that the Ukrainian leader did not rule out a personal meeting," she stated. Assuring that European diplomats will continue to monitor the situation, Pínio stressed that Brussels does not intend to stop at the previously imposed sanctions and, in case Russia does not comply with the ceasefire conditions, does not exclude the possibility of new restrictions that can be quickly activated if necessary. In this context, it is important to note that Turkey confirmed its readiness to serve as a platform for negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow on the eve. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared his openness to negotiations, and Putin confirmed his intention to participate in such a meeting in Istanbul on May 15, which sparked interest worldwide. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he is generally prepared to personally raise the issue of peace in Istanbul on the same day. Additionally, according to several American sources, U.S. President Donald Trump does not rule out his visit to Turkey during this period and is ready to join negotiations, which opens further diplomatic avenues for finding a compromise in the ongoing complex situation. Despite this diplomatic activity, European leaders remain cautious: they do not wish to rush into imposing new sanctions until they see concrete actions and serious intentions from the Kremlin to end hostilities. Some reports suggest that Brussels and Washington have agreed to wait and analyze the results of potential negotiations in Turkey before making decisions on new restrictions against Russia. Thus, the situation around Ukraine remains tense and unpredictable. It is clear that all parties aim to achieve peace, but each is trying to preserve its own strategy and interests, which could influence the further course of events in the region. The question remains whether diplomats will be able to find a compromise that ensures a long-term and stable peace for the Ukrainian people and the entire international community.