The Ukrainian and Canadian leaders examined new sanctions on Russia’s energy sector and shadow fleet, emphasizing the need for tangible moves toward ending the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and newly appointed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held talks in Rome on Saturday, focusing on ways to intensify pressure on Russia and move closer to a negotiated end to the ongoing war.
“Our key priority is to push Russia to take real steps toward ending the war,” Zelensky stated on social media following the bilateral meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony for Pope Leo XIV.
Among the measures under consideration were expanded sanctions targeting Russia’s energy infrastructure and its so-called “shadow fleet” of vessels used to circumvent international restrictions. Both leaders agreed that such sanctions have been among the most effective tools in the three-year conflict and that they could be broadened to target secondary sectors.
Zelensky also expressed gratitude to Carney for Canada’s defense cooperation and support of the “Coalition of Volunteers,” a group comprising 25 allied nations and representatives of the EU and NATO.
“We deeply value Canada as a true friend of Ukraine,” Zelensky added.
The meeting came just one day after Ukrainian and Russian delegations held their first direct talks since 2022, meeting in Turkey to present proposals for peace. The discussions were mediated by the United States but did not include either Zelensky or Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russia was represented by a low-level delegation with no apparent decision-making authority.
Ukrainian officials criticized the talks as a Kremlin ploy to buy time while continuing attacks on civilian targets.
Only modest progress was achieved: the two sides agreed in principle to a mutual exchange of 2,000 prisoners and to consider a future high-level summit. “The Ukrainian side proposed direct talks between the heads of state. We have taken note of the proposal,” said Kremlin advisor Vladimir Medinsky.
Following the news, U.S. President Donald Trump announced he will speak separately with Putin and Zelensky by phone on Monday in an attempt to break the impasse. “Let’s hope for a productive day, a ceasefire, and an end to this terrible war—a war that never should have happened,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Meanwhile, the European Union revealed it is preparing a new round of sanctions targeting Russia’s financial sector. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the package would include measures on the Nord Stream I and II pipelines, a reduced oil price cap, and sanctions on foreign banks supporting Moscow’s war efforts.
“All the pressure is now on Putin,” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said.
Keep Independent Journalism Alive
In a world flooded with noise, independent journalism is more vital than ever. We work hard to bring you clear, accurate, and unbiased international news — free from corporate or political influence.If you believe in the power of honest reporting, please consider making a donation. Every contribution, big or small, helps us stay independent and keep the world informed.
Support us via PayPalYour support makes a difference.
