Renew Europe urges tougher EU sanctions if Russia rejects ceasefire proposal
Author: Lucian Goleanu
Date:
The Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament calls on the EU to adopt stronger sanctions against Russia, if Kremlin refuses to comply with the unconditional 30 days ceasefire requested by Kyiv ahead of the start of peace talks in Türkiye, as Russian attacks against civilian areas of cities all across Ukraine kept on going.
Notwithstanding the existing 16 packages of EU sanctions against Russia, Putin’s constantly growing shadow fleet of oil tankers navigating European waters bankrolls Moscow’s war machine by circumventing the restrictions. New sanctions must be in place targeting all the vessels concerned, together with additional restrictive measures on the Russian banking sector.
Renew Europe MEP, Petras Auštrevičius (Lithuanian Liberal Movement), shadow rapporteur on Ukraine, said:
“Russia’s 39 months of aggression have shown that only a firm and unwavering response from the EU and its allies can compel the Kremlin to the negotiating table. Putin responds not to persuasion, but to pressure.”
Renew Europe MEP, Bernard Guetta (Independent, France), shadow rapporteur on Russia, added:
“Everything suggests that Vladimir Putin is unwilling to negotiate. He must therefore be aware that European democracies are not only prepared, if necessary, to impose new sanctions, but also to significantly increase their aid to Ukraine, with or without the United States.”
Our political group also calls for a stronger cooperation between the EU and like-minded partners on supporting Ukraine and strengthening of European security.
MEP Hilde Vautmans (Open Vld, Belgium), Renew Europe Group’s Coordinator in the Committee on Foreign Affairs, concluded:
"If we want to bring real change for Ukraine and Europe, our response must be united. We must coordinate closely with our allies and support strong EU measures. Together, in unity, we are stronger. This is not just about solidarity—it’s about securing peace, freedom, and stability for generations to come."
