Overview

• The European Union has formally adopted its 17th sanctions package, targeting nearly 200 unregistered 'ghost fleet' vessels and 30 entities aiding Russian oil sanctions evasion.
• The United Kingdom announced parallel sanctions focusing on defense, energy, finance, and disinformation, including measures against 18 'ghost fleet' ships.
• An 18th EU sanctions package is under discussion, potentially targeting Nord Stream pipelines, as European leaders push for stronger consequences for Russia's continued aggression.
• U.S. President Donald Trump's May 19 call with Russian President Vladimir Putin failed to achieve a ceasefire, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accusing Russia of using peace talks to prolong the war.
• Russian forces continue their offensive in eastern Ukraine, particularly in the Donetsk region, prompting EU defense ministers to stress the need for concrete actions over rhetoric.