France and USA discuss new sanctions against Russia
Photo: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot (Getty Images)
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and US Senator Lindsey Graham will meet in Turkey on May 14. They will discuss new crippling sanctions against Russia, Le Figaro says.
He noted that on Thursday, May 15, he will meet in Türkiye with Lindsey Graham, who has developed an extremely powerful package of sanctions, including 500% customs duties on Russian oil imports.
Barro emphasized that the United States and Europe should prepare for crippling sanctions to force Russia to end the war in Ukraine.
"Russia has found ways to circumvent the blockage imposed by Europe and the United States so closing the tap would grab Russia by the throat," the French minister said.
The Foreign Minister believes that the US and Europe should go further, as previous sanctions have not yet forced Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to stop his aggressive war against Ukraine. In his opinion, it is necessary to work on new restrictions that could strangle the Russian economy once and for all.
"I hope that Europe, in turn, will be able to impose sanctions on hydrocarbons," Barro added.
Sanctions against Russia
On Wednesday, May 14, EU ambassadors agreed on the 17th package of economic sanctions against Russia. According to media reports, the new sanctions will target oil tankers of Russia's shadow fleet.
In addition, France and Germany warned Russia that it would face new sanctions if it did not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. New German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has set a deadline for Russia to decide by the end of the week.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has proposed a bill for crippling new sanctions against Russia, which, among other things, would impose 500% tariffs on imports from countries that buy Russian oil, oil products, natural gas or uranium.
