Following Russia’s largest air assault on Ukraine since the start of the 2022 invasion, Western powers are considering new sanctions against Moscow as hopes for direct negotiations between President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remain uncertain.
The weekend drone and missile attacks targeted Kyiv and other key locations, killing three civilians, including a mother and her three-month-old baby. Analysts suggest the strikes may signal Putin’s insistence on achieving military objectives if diplomacy fails.
Stalled Peace Negotiations
This spring and summer, Ukraine and Russia held direct talks in Istanbul, producing prisoner exchanges but no substantive progress toward a ceasefire. Efforts for a face-to-face meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy have stalled due to disagreements over location. Putin insists any meeting occur in Moscow, while Zelenskyy has proposed a neutral third country.
Security Guarantees and Western Coordination
Western diplomacy is focused on security guarantees for Ukraine, with 26 countries pledging forces to act as a stabilizing presence on land, sea, or air. However, questions remain regarding the US role and Russia’s opposition to foreign forces on Ukrainian territory.
Potential New Sanctions
US President Donald Trump has indicated the possibility of a “second phase” of sanctions on Russia, potentially including:
- Secondary sanctions on countries buying Russian oil
- Targeting major Russian energy companies such as Rosneft and Lukoil
- Sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet involved in evading penalties
Scott Bessent, US Treasury Secretary, stressed that coordinated sanctions between the US and EU could severely impact the Russian economy and pressure Putin into negotiations. The EU is preparing its 19th sanctions package, including potential measures against financial networks, Russian companies outside Russia, and restricting Russian diplomats and tourist visas.
Kremlin Response
Russia has publicly dismissed Western sanctions. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, “No sanctions will force the Russian Federation to change its ongoing position,” underscoring Moscow’s defiance.
Experts note that US involvement is critical due to the dollar’s central role in the global economy. Coordinated action would mark a symbolic and practical shift, potentially translating Trump’s tough rhetoric into concrete measures.
