Next step on Russia sanctions must come from US, says Ukrainian PM
Yulia Svyrydenko, Prime Minister of Ukraine (Getty Images)
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said Ukraine welcomes the EU's 18th sanctions package against Russia and expects the US to join in strengthening pressure on the aggressor.
The official emphasized that as long as the war continues, there must be increased restrictions against Russia from both the European Union and the United States, as well as coordination of sanctions packages.
According to Svyrydenko, Ukraine expected that the EU would ultimately adopt the 18th package of sanctions despite Slovakia's veto. Kyiv is grateful to its allies for this step.
"The next step is very important for us — sanctions from the United States. That would be a significant and impactful factor in limiting Russia's ability to continue the war. But we understand that the 18th package cannot be the final one," the Prime Minister added.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose secondary tariffs on Russia if Moscow does not reach a peace agreement with Ukraine within 50 days.
New sanctions against Russia
On July 18, the European Union adopted its 18th package of sanctions against Russia.
The sanctions had been delayed for a long time due to a blockade by Slovakia. The Slovak government had demanded guarantees from the EU that it would not be left without access to cheap gas, given the bloc's plan to completely phase out Russian energy supplies by January 1, 2028.
On July 17, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced that his country was lifting its veto on the sanctions, as it had received the necessary guarantees from the EU.
