Russia has not yet responded to Ukraine's constructive ceasefire proposals presented in Istanbul, offering only ultimatums in return. This underscores the need for increased sanctions pressure and a devastating blow to key sectors of the Russian economy.

Axar.az reports, citing Ukrinform, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said this at a joint press conference with his Lithuanian counterpart Kestutis Budrys in Kyiv on Monday.

He stressed that "several capitals" must recognize the reality: Ukraine is not losing this war, and Russia is not winning. He also said that Ukraine seeks peace "more than anyone else in the world," while Russia continues to block any peace process.

"The Russians have yet to respond to our constructive proposals that we delivered directly ahead of the meeting [between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations] in Istanbul. Instead, they put forward a list of ultimatums that are incompatible with diplomacy. This once again shows that pressure on Russia — and on those aiding its war efforts — must be stepped up. We insist that the EU's 18th sanctions package must not only be strong, but devastating. It must strike a crushing blow to Russia's energy sector, shadow fleet, banking system, and all existing sanctions evasion schemes," Sybiha said.