On 9 June Ursula van der Leyen, European Commission president, proposed a new package of sanctions against Russia, aimed at increasing economic pressure as the war in Ukraine continues. The measures target Russian oil revenues, banks, cryptocurrency firms, metals, fish products and vessels linked to the so-called ‘shadow fleet’ used to circumvent existing restrictions. The proposal would also delay a scheduled review of the international price cap on Russian oil in order to prevent higher oil prices from easing pressure on Moscow. Additional sanctions would affect ships, ports and infrastructure believed to support Russia’s efforts to bypass restrictions, while Russian soldiers who have participated in the invasion could be barred from entering the Schengen area. European leaders hope the measures will weaken Russia’s ability to sustain the war and encourage progress towards a ceasefire and negotiations; however, the proposals will require unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states. Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a face-to-face meeting with Vladimir Putin to end the war. The negotiations, Zelensky said, should be based on the current line of contact and be conditional on a ceasefire.