European leaders are considering a full trade embargo on Russia

After Russian dictator Vladimir Putin failed to show up for direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Turkey, European allies are preparing to impose further sanctions on Russia, Politico reported, citing four European officials.

A new summit of the European Political Community is taking place in Albania on May 16. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Zelensky are taking part. A total of 47 heads of state and government are expected to meet.

The publication’s sources note that the conversation will focus, among other things, on sharply tightening sanctions against Russia, four European officials told Politico.

“Potential measures against Moscow could include tariffs on Russian exports, up to and including a full trade embargo,” the publication’s sources say.

After Putin ignored calls for a 30-day ceasefire, EU and British leaders are looking for ways to deal a major blow to Russia’s economy that would dwarf any previous round of sanctions. The plans being discussed are “inspired” by US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who proposed tough sanctions against Russia if it refuses to “negotiate peace in good faith with Ukraine.” Graham has been in touch with his European counterparts in recent days.

While some on the continent are skeptical that Graham will be able to win support from US President Donald Trump for sanctions against Russia, two diplomats told Politico that Ukraine’s supporters could push through their own “mega-sanctions package” without US involvement.

Tags: sanctions, Russia, EU