EU prepares new sanctions as Zelenskyy engages in UK diplomacy

The European Commission is set to introduce its 21st package of sanctions against Russia this week, targeting financial institutions in third countries, particularly in Central Asia, suspected of aiding Russian banks in circumventing existing restrictions. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in the United Kingdom on Sunday for diplomatic engagements. His schedule includes bilateral talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and an "E3 plus Ukraine" meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. This visit follows reports that President Zelenskyy had previously invited Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich to Kyiv to relay a message to President Vladimir Putin regarding a potential direct meeting. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that Putin "wasted an opportunity to exit a failing war" by declining Zelenskyy's proposal for direct peace negotiations. Sources: Громадське, Радіо Свобода, Суспільне Новини, Українська правда