US and Europe Ready to Impose Toughest Sanctions Yet If Russia Rejects Ceasefire, Kellogg Says

Washington and its European allies are prepared to impose the most severe sanctions yet on Russia if it refuses to agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine, according to Keith Kellogg, the US President’s special envoy to Ukraine.

Speaking during an interview on Fox Business, Kellogg said the proposed sanctions—currently under review by the US Congress—could target key elements of Russia’s economy, including the Central Bank and the so-called “shadow fleet” used to export Russian oil outside formal channels.

According to Kellogg, over 70 US senators support the draft legislation, which is designed to tighten pressure on Moscow through a new wave of restrictions. A primary focus would be disrupting Russia’s oil exports, nearly 70% of which are transported via the Baltic Sea using vessels operating outside conventional tracking systems.

“We’ve warned Putin. This is serious,” Kellogg said. “These sanctions are tougher than anything we’ve ever seen before. And our European partners agree with this approach.”

Kellogg also noted that newly appointed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has taken a firm position in support of further sanctions, underscoring growing alignment between the US and EU on measures to hold Russia accountable.

Earlier, Bloomberg reported that European leaders are holding off on pressing the US for new sanctions against Russia until after the planned Türkiye talks between Zelenskyy and Putin on May 15. According to sources, if Russia refuses a ceasefire or skips the meeting, the EU will urge President Trump to move forward with tougher measures.

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