European leaders announced plans to strengthen sanctions against Russia after Trump’s conversation with Putin.

Leaders of the European Union agreed to increase sanctions pressure on Russia to facilitate the ceasefire process in Ukraine.

This was stated by heads of European states after a joint phone call with the Presidents of the US and Ukraine on May 19.

Close cooperation between Europe and the USA

Europe and America are very united here: we will closely accompany Ukraine on the way to a ceasefire. Europe will increase pressure on Moscow through sanctions. This was agreed with @POTUS after his conversation with Putin.

— Chancellor Friedrich Merz (@bundeskanzler) May 19, 2025

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the unity of the US and European positions regarding the Ukrainian crisis, noting that the European bloc will increase pressure on Moscow through sanctions.

The conference call involved US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

'I want to thank President Trump for his tireless efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine. It is important for the US to remain engaged. We will continue to support Volodymyr Zelensky in achieving lasting peace in Ukraine,' — wrote von der Leyen on the social network X.

Plans for the future

During the phone call, the leaders of Europe discussed the possibility of prolonged negotiations, a ceasefire, and steps towards a just and lasting peace. The importance of supporting Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity was emphasized by representatives of European countries.

According to the German Chancellor's office, European leaders also agreed to closely coordinate the negotiation process and announced an increase in sanctions pressure on Russia.