Zelenskyy Urges More Russia Sanctions Amidst Escalating Attacks

As Russia intensifies its attacks on Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is calling for increased international sanctions against Moscow. This appeal comes after a week where the EU failed to agree on additional punitive measures, highlighting the urgent need for stronger action.

Zelenskyy Demands Tougher Penalties

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called upon the global community to increase sanctions imposed on Russia. According to the Ukrainian leader, these restrictions are vital to limit Russia’s ability to wage war. He made this plea in his nightly address on Sunday, emphasizing the importance of limiting Russia’s resources.

Simultaneously, Zelenskyy has taken steps to align Ukraine’s sanctions regime with its allies, including the EU and G7 nations. Further, he announced plans to adopt EU sanctions on Iran.

Ukraine Withdraws from Landmine Treaty

Zelenskyy has signed a decree that initiates Ukraine’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, an anti-landmine treaty. This move, requiring parliamentary ratification and UN communication, follows similar actions by the Baltic States and Poland.

Overnight Attacks and Military Losses

Overnight, Russia launched a large-scale assault on Ukraine, targeting the central, southern, and western regions. The Ukrainian military reported the use of approximately 500 aerial weapons, including drones and missiles. Tragically, a Ukrainian pilot was killed, and an F-16 fighter jet was lost during the attacks. This represents the third loss of an F-16 since the 2022 invasion.

The Ukrainian military reported that it intercepted some of the incoming attacks, but significant damage occurred. The Polish Armed Forces responded by scrambling fighter jets and activating air defenses near the border. These strikes follow warnings of attacks on Saturday evening.

Spy Chief Speaks to CIA Director

The director of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), Sergei Naryshkin, disclosed that he recently spoke with **John Ratcliffe**, the director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Naryshkin stated that they agreed to keep open lines of communication to discuss pertinent issues. The CIA and SVR, historical rivals, have intensified efforts to recruit agents since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022.

German Concerns Over Underestimation

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned against underestimating Russia in the ongoing conflict. Speaking to Funke media, he emphasized that the war in Ukraine poses the most significant threat to European security, and a new survey shows that public support for sanctions has risen to 75% in Germany.

Ongoing Peace Efforts

Russian President **Vladimir Putin** has indicated a willingness to engage in a third round of peace talks with Ukraine. Meanwhile, the United States President **Donald Trump** mentioned a potential development that could end the war, citing a recent phone call with **Putin**, but didn’t provide further details.

As the conflict continues, the international community remains focused on supporting Ukraine and finding a path toward peace. The call for increased sanctions reflects a broader strategy to cripple Russia’s war efforts and protect Ukrainian sovereignty. However, analysts predict that more military aid may be necessary.