A new plan is taking shape to end the war in Ukraine — and it doesn’t look like Russia’s President Vladimir Putin wants to be a part of it.
Peace talks in Turkey this week will see top diplomats from the US and Europe come together in a serious push to stop the war. But while Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has shown interest, Putin chose not to attend. Instead, he will send a team of lower-level officials, raising eyebrows across the West.
This move comes even after Putin had publicly asked for direct talks without any conditions. Zelenskyy responded by challenging Putin to meet him in person in Istanbul. But when it came time for action, the Russian leader stayed away.
Leaders from the US and EU see this as a clear sign that Putin isn’t serious about ending the war. Now, they’re putting together a “Plan B” — and it’s tough.
Former US President Donald Trump has stepped in by asking his ally, Senator Lindsey Graham, to brief European leaders on a new round of sanctions. These are meant to severely damage Russia’s economy and pressure Putin into action. More military aid to Ukraine may also be on the table.
The European Union is already working on its 17th package of sanctions. This includes banning business with 30 Russian companies and freezing assets of 75 individuals linked to the war. The EU is also planning to stop importing fossil fuels from Russia — a major step aimed at cutting off Russian revenue.
Meanwhile, before the talks in Turkey, leaders from the UK, Germany, France, and Poland had already warned that more sanctions would come if Russia refused to agree to a 30-day ceasefire.
The Russian delegation sent to Turkey included officials like presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky and deputy defence minister Alexander Fomin. However, key figures like Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov were missing — a sign, many believe, that Putin isn’t treating the talks as serious.
Germany’s new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, made his position clear. Speaking to parliament, he warned that the West must not allow a "dictated peace" from Moscow, and urged unity against any attempts by Russia to divide Europe.
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