Paris backs joint US sanctions on Russia with new plans
Illustrative photo: French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot (Getty Images)
France emphasized the importance of close coordination with the US on implementing new sanctions against Russia, according to Le Monde.
The French ministers of finance and foreign affairs confirmed the need for coordination between the United States and Europe to end the war in Ukraine, while meeting with American senators who proposed sanctions against Moscow.
"After returning from a trip to Ukraine, Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal reaffirmed their determination to pressure Russia to agree to a ceasefire by adopting a massive sanctions package they introduced in Congress," the statement said.
These sanctions would include a 500% tariff on imports from countries purchasing oil, petroleum products, gas, and petrochemicals from Russia.
During his visit to Kyiv, Graham said the Senate could begin considering the sanctions bill against Russia next week.
Sanctions against Russia
At the same time, leaders of France, Germany, Britain, and other European countries stated they are ready to toughen sanctions on Moscow if it refuses to cease fire or take other steps toward peace.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump also claimed he was considering sanctions against Russia. However, Washington is in no hurry to implement them. Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained this by saying that sanctions might push Russia to abandon negotiations on ending the war against Ukraine.
