Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha proposes new EU approach on Russia sanctions
Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha (Getty Images)
Ukraine considers the sanctions package against Russia proposed by US Senator Lindsey Graham to be highly effective and is interested in seeing elements of that approach integrated into EU sanctions, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said, according to Ukrinform.
Sybiha was responding to a journalist's question about what kind of alignment Ukraine expects between European and American sanctions, particularly given that the EU is currently adopting its 17th package of restrictive measures while some US representatives are proposing new investments for Russia's economic development.
"I would like to draw your attention to a bill registered in the US Congress, initiated by Senator Lindsey Graham. It represents an extremely strong package of sanctions pressure. One of Ukraine's proposals is precisely that future EU sanctions packages reflect elements contained in Senator Graham's bill — including measures targeting the energy sector, the banking system, and more. At the same time, we must not wait — we must act now. This is the right moment to force Russia to peace," the minister emphasized.
He noted that when it comes to imposing sanctions on Russia, Ukraine feels the support and unity of its European partners, who share the view that new sanctions against the aggressor must be adopted swiftly and be as painful as possible.
Sybiha stressed that the sanctions must be real and effective, including so-called secondary sanctions targeting individuals involved in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
Sanctions against Russia
In early April, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal introduced a bill proposing severe sanctions against Russia for refusing to commit to a long-term peace with Ukraine.
Among the bill's 50 co-sponsors in the Senate is an equal number of Republicans and Democrats, demonstrating broad bipartisan support for the initiative.
The proposed legislation includes both primary and secondary sanctions targeting Russia and individuals supporting the Kremlin's aggression against Ukraine. The restrictions would be triggered if peace talks collapse or if a peace agreement is reached but later violated by Russia.
Specifically, the bill could impose a 500% tariff on imports from countries that continue to purchase Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other commodities.
