Ukraine’s president urged the European Union on Wednesday to quickly impose new sanctions on Russia, warning that actions taken after any conflict would be too late.

Speaking to the press after the 6th Eastern Partnership Summit in Brussels, Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv is ready to enter negotiations with Moscow to de-escalate tensions.

Zelensky noted, however, that Russian President Vladimir Putin was not willing to sit at the table so far.

“We have a war that has been going on for eight years. We understand that sanctions will only become a possible escalation prevention mechanism if implemented before an armed conflict,” he said.

EU officials have frequently expressed concern over the unusual concentration of Russian troops near the Ukrainian border since last month and that there would be serious consequences if Russia attacks Ukraine again.

Zelensky is due to meet NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg Thursday in Brussels. (Anadolu Agency)