Europe Urges US to Ramp Up Russia Sanctions Before Trump-Putin Meeting

Europe Seeks to Tighten Grip on Russia Before Trump-Putin Summit

In an intensified diplomatic push, European leaders are urging the United States to escalate sanctions against Russia ahead of the anticipated meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This meeting is viewed as crucial, as it could significantly impact the fate of Ukraine and the long-term security of the European continent.

The call comes in the wake of Trump and Putin confirming they will hold talks in Alaska. European capitals have been in urgent action to forge a unified position on the form and substance of this pivotal meeting, which may represent a turning point in the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

Details of Preparatory Meetings

Officials familiar with the matter revealed that British Foreign Secretary David Lammy chaired a meeting that included U.S. Vice President JD Vance and security advisors from Europe and Ukraine. During the meeting, participants stressed the need for the United States to exert more pressure on Russia by threatening further sanctions.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz affirmed this point, stating, "Putin only acts under pressure. It seems military pressure alone is not enough, and the U.S. sanctions have not been fully implemented. If comprehensive sanctions are applied, it would have a devastating impact on the Russian economy. I have been urging the U.S. President to do so."

Merz emphasized that the Alaska meeting must yield tangible results, either by proceeding to increase pressure on Russia or by making Russia realize that this conflict cannot continue.

Conditions for Any Potential Peace Agreement

European officials are also advocating for any future ceasefire agreement to include a condition stipulating "severe sanctions in case of violation" to ensure Russia cannot benefit from the economic advantages of peace and then resume fighting again.

U.S. Vice President Vance described the meeting as a "significant diplomatic breakthrough" aimed at negotiating a territorial solution to "stop the killing." He warned Europe that the United States would not continue to fund Ukraine in the same way it had in the past.

In a direct message to Europe, Vance stated, "If you really care about this conflict, you should provide more direct and substantial financial support."

Ukraine's Position

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for more pressure on Russia through sanctions, stating, "We need sanctions, we need pressure. We need power - the power of America, the power of Europe... If Russia does not want to stop fighting, we must make its economy stop working."

Other Options for Pressure

The European Union is considering additional options for exerting pressure on Russia, including using frozen Russian sovereign assets as a pressure tool. Brussels has suggested using these assets to finance Ukraine, including a proposal to borrow funds from €190 billion in Russian assets held by the Belgian institution Euroclear, and then lending them to Ukraine.

In conclusion, Europe seeks to exert maximum pressure on Russia before, during, and after the Trump-Putin meeting to ensure that Ukraine's interests and European security are protected in the long term. The intensified diplomatic moves and potential economic sanctions are part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at ending the conflict and forcing Russia to the negotiating table on fair terms.