Trump has thwarted the EU’s plan for sanctions against Russia, so now Ukraine’s allies are waiting for the results of the Istanbul meeting.

European leaders’ attempts to compel the US to impose new sanctions on Russia were thwarted by US President Donald Trump’s intervention, as he publicly called on Ukraine to “immediately” start peace talks with Russia, effectively forcing President Zelenskyy to agree to the Kremlin’s proposed meeting in Istanbul. Diplomats say the Ukrainian president did not have the political space to refuse, fearing a loss of Trump’s support.

Leaders of the coalition of the willing arrived in Kyiv on May 10 to apply pressure on Trump and persuade him that Russia was merely stalling for time and that the US should impose strong economic sanctions. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham is working on a corresponding sanctions package and has broad support in Congress. However, these efforts have lost some of their previous momentum after Trump’s post.

The UK has postponed the introduction of new restrictions, but the EU still hopes to implement a new package of sanctions by the end of May if there is no ceasefire. Additionally, new American sanctions could serve as a key factor in pressuring the Kremlin – not only because of their economic power but also due to the political signal they would send that Trump recognizes Putin’s responsibility for obstructing peace.

Thus, Europe will wait for the upcoming talks in Turkey before urging the US to impose new sanctions.