Europe to press U.S. for tougher sanctions on Russia if Putin refuses to meet Zelensky in Istanbul — Bloomberg

European leaders plan to press U.S. President Donald Trump to make good on his threat of new sanctions against Russia if Vladimir Putin refuses to meet with Volodymyr Zelensky in Istanbul on May 15 or fails to agree to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, Bloomberg reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.

According to Bloomberg’s sources, conversations between American and European officials on May 12 made clear that the United States hopes to give Russia and Ukraine an opportunity to negotiate before stepping up pressure on Putin. European leaders, the sources said, are willing to wait until after the possible talks before calling on Washington to introduce new sanctions.

At the same time, European officials told Bloomberg that U.S. representatives have not provided a clear answer on whether they still intend to move forward with sanctions if Russian attacks continue in the coming week or if Putin refuses to meet with Zelensky.

While visiting Kyiv on May 10, European leaders joined Zelensky in calling for a 30-day truce. In response, Putin proposed direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15. Zelensky replied that Ukraine expected a “full and unconditional” ceasefire beginning May 12 and said he was ready to meet with Putin in person in Istanbul. Despite this, Russian forces launched attacks on Ukraine overnight on May 12.

European leaders have backed Ukraine’s position that a ceasefire must come before negotiations can begin. However, according to Axios, Zelensky intends to travel to Turkey regardless of whether Putin agrees to a ceasefire in advance.