Trump set to implore Putin to end the 'bloodbath' in Ukraine in high-stakes phone call
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EU, UK Adopt Further Sanctions on Russia
Above: EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas holds a press conference in Brussels, Belgium on May 20, 2025. Image copyright: Dursun Aydemir/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
While Putin feigns interest in peace, his illegal war of aggression against Ukraine continues unabated. These sanctions severely restrict Russia's ability to conduct the war, meaning Putin will realize that, the longer his war continues, the more severe the consequences.
Pro-Trump narrative
Additional sanctions on Russia will only make Putin more likely to walk away from the negotiating process. The U.S. will wait to receive copies of Russia's proposals for a ceasefire and how it conducts itself in the coming weeks before deciding any additional action.
Pro-Ukraine narrative
Ukraine is thankful for the actions of its allies to apply additional sanctions. Only tough measures such as these will put enough pressure on Putin to make him stop waging a war against innocent Ukrainians in their sovereign nation.