The European Union and the United Kingdom have unveiled coordinated sanctions against Russia in a renewed effort to force an end to the war in Ukraine—just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin rebuffed ceasefire overtures reportedly led by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Announced on Tuesday, the sanctions specifically target Russia’s so-called "shadow fleet"—oil tankers used to circumvent existing Western restrictions with the EU blacklisting 189 vessels. The UK’s measures go further, hitting Russian arms supply chains, disinformation outlets backed by the Kremlin, and financial institutions believed to be aiding Moscow’s sanction evasion.

The latest round of sanctions marks the 17th EU package since the conflict began, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirming work is already underway on an 18th. “It’s time to intensify the pressure on Russia to bring about the ceasefire,” she said in a post on X following a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Al Jazeera’s Jonah Hull, reporting from London, noted that the EU and UK acted “in concert,” having signed a new defense and security pact in London just a day prior.

Moscow responded sharply. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova condemned the new sanctions, stating that Russia would not bow to “ultimatums” and accusing the West of using Ukraine as a proxy to prolong the conflict.

The sanctions come amid growing frustration over stalled diplomacy. On Monday, Trump reportedly spoke with Putin in an attempt to broker a ceasefire. The call yielded no breakthrough, although Putin later stated that Moscow is open to drafting a memorandum outlining conditions for a potential peace agreement.

Zakharova reiterated that “the ball is in Kyiv’s court” and urged Ukraine to respond constructively for the sake of its own “self-preservation.”

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy swiftly dismissed Moscow’s statements, writing on Telegram: “It’s obvious that Russia is trying to buy time to continue the war and occupation.” He emphasized that Ukraine and its allies remain committed to increasing diplomatic and economic pressure until Russia demonstrates genuine intent to end the conflict.

Following the joint announcement, both Brussels and London signaled that further actions could follow. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called for more sanctions to “push Vladimir Putin to put an end to his imperialist fantasy,” while German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius added: “Putin is clearly playing for time. Unfortunately, it’s clear he is not seriously interested in peace.”