European leaders consulted US President Donald Trump on Friday after Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul ended without a ceasefire agreement. The discussions, attended by British PM Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish PM Donald Tusk, followed a prisoner swap deal—the largest since the war began in 2022.
Also read: No Significant Breakthroughs Expected in Russia-Ukraine Talks: US Secretary of State:
During a call from the European Political Community summit in Albania, leaders agreed to tighten sanctions against Russia. Macron warned of escalating measures if Moscow continues rejecting peace, targeting Russia’s shadow fleet and financial sector. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen vowed to increase pressure on Russian oil exports and banks.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged stronger sanctions but reaffirmed Kyiv’s commitment to ending the war.
Also read:Russia announces delegation for Ukraine peace talks in Turkey
