On 12 May, Renew Europe called on the EU to adopt stronger sanctions against Russia if it refuses to comply with the unconditional 30-day ceasefire requested by Ukraine.
Ahead of the start of peace talks in Türkiye on Thursday, Russian attacks against civilian areas of cities all across Ukraine keep on going.
Despite 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.
The Group believes new sanctions must be in place targeting all the vessels concerned, together with additional restrictive measures on the Russian banking sector.
“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,” said Renew Europe’s shadow rapporteur on Ukraine Petras Auštrevičius MEP (Liberal Movement, LT).
“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,” added Renew Europe’s shadow rapporteur on Russia Bernard Guetta MEP (Independent, FR).
"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,” said Hilde Vautmans MEP (Open VLD, BE), Renew Europe’s Coordinator in the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Renew Europe also called for a stronger cooperation between the EU and like-minded partners on supporting Ukraine and strengthening of European security.