EU wants to coordinate new sanctions package against Russia with US - Barrot
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot (Photo: Getty Images)
The European Union is preparing the 17th sanctions package against Russia in case Moscow refuses to cease fire in Ukraine. The measures are intended to be coordinated with the US, states French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.
In an interview with AFP, he mentioned the initiative of US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who warned about devastating sanctions against Russia. Barrot emphasized that the EU aims to coordinate its actions with the US.
"We, Europeans, will support this American initiative with the 17th sanctions package, and yesterday I promised Lindsey Graham that we will try to align both the content and timing of these two sanctions packages," the French minister said.
He also added that the only obstacle to peace in Ukraine right now is Russian President Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, Kyiv has fulfilled its part of the agreement.
"(Ukraine - ed.) accepted an unconditional ceasefire and yesterday agreed to sign a deal with the US regarding critically important minerals. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin's Russia has made no effort, given no signals that it is ready for a ceasefire and peace, which President Donald Trump seeks, and which Europeans, and of course, Ukrainians, want," he said.
The French Foreign Minister did not rule out the possibility that his country, with its expertise in rare earth metals, could sign an economic deal with Ukraine. Barrot also mentioned ongoing discussions on this topic.
"We are considering the opportunities that are opening up to us, and we will take advantage of them if they align with the mutual interests of France and Ukraine," concluded the head of France's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
What sanctions are the US threatening against Russia
Yesterday, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham stated that 72 US senators support a bill imposing devastating sanctions on Russia and its oil and gas buyers if Putin does not begin serious negotiations for a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine.
Specifically, the measures would include a 500% tariff on imports from countries buying Russian oil, petroleum products, natural gas, or uranium. Other sanctions would prohibit Americans from purchasing Russian sovereign debt.
"I want a negotiated end to the war, honorably and just. I think Trump's the best person to achieve that goal, but these sanctions represent the Senate's view that we see the primary bad guy being Russia," Graham said.
We also reported that yesterday, US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce confirmed that the US side is prepared for more severe sanctions against Russia.
