European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday called on G7 nations to increase pressure on Russia through tougher sanctions in order to bring about a ceasefire in Ukraine. Speaking ahead of a summit in the Canadian Rockies, von der Leyen stressed that diplomatic efforts have stalled and new measures are vital to ending the war.

“We must put more pressure on Russia to secure a real ceasefire, to bring Russia to the negotiating table and to end this war,” she told reporters. “Sanctions are critical to that end.”

She revealed that the EU has proposed an 18th package of sanctions against Moscow and urged G7 partners—Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States—to support the initiative when formal talks begin Monday.

The summit comes as global attention shifts to the Middle East following Israeli strikes on Iran, which have raised fears of a broader regional war and triggered a spike in global oil prices. Despite the escalating violence in the Middle East, EU leaders are determined to keep the war in Ukraine on the agenda, particularly in discussions with US President Donald Trump.

Trump, who has shown reluctance to criticise Russian President Vladimir Putin or expand US sanctions, has argued that new penalties might interfere with ceasefire efforts. Von der Leyen, however, sees increased sanctions as a necessary tool to pressure Moscow into negotiations.

She also confirmed that during talks with Trump on Saturday, both leaders agreed on the importance of safeguarding international market stability, especially in energy markets. “We will stay very vigilant on what the implications for the international energy markets are concerned,” she added.

On transatlantic trade, von der Leyen said she preferred a negotiated resolution with Washington before the July 9 deadline, though the EU is preparing for the possibility of talks failing.

Von der Leyen also addressed rising tensions in the Middle East. Speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier on Sunday, she reiterated the EU’s position that Israel has the right to defend itself, but urged a diplomatic resolution to the Iran nuclear issue.

“Iran is the principal source of regional instability, and we’ve always been very clear, Iran can never have a nuclear weapon,” she said.

Highlighting the interconnectedness of global conflicts, von der Leyen pointed out that Iranian-made drones and ballistic missiles have been used both in Ukraine and in attacks on Israel, underlining the shared threat faced by Europe and its Middle Eastern allies.

“The recent events have underlined the increasing interlinks between the conflicts in Europe on one hand and the Middle East on the other hand. The same type of Iranian designed and made drones and ballistic missiles are indiscriminately hitting cities in Ukraine and in Israel,” she said.

Melissa Enoch

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