Kellogg promised Russia tough sanctions in the absence of progress on Ukraine

The United States will impose "crushing" sanctions on Russia in the absence of progress at the upcoming talks in Istanbul on May 15 on the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict. This was announced on Tuesday, May 13, by the US President's special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg.

"These could be significant sanctions. <...> They are tougher than we have ever seen," he said in an interview with Fox News.

According to the American diplomat, potential sanctions will affect the Central Bank of Russia and the transit of Russian oil.

Taming the fire: is Kiev ready for direct negotiations with the Russian Federation

So far, the Ukrainian authorities continue to issue ultimatums, repeating threats from Europe.

On May 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia was offering Ukraine to resume direct talks in Istanbul on May 15. US President Donald Trump called on Kiev to accept the Russian proposal immediately.