France's Foreign Minister discusses alignment of sanctions strategy with the United States
Intensifying Economic Pressure: EU and US Prepare to Counter Russia's War Efforts in Ukraine
European powers are readying another wave of anti-Russian sanctions, set to coincide with potential U.S. measures, if Moscow fails to halt its aggression in Ukraine. This was disclosed by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian in an interview with AFP news agency.
"We, Europeans, are planning to partner with this U.S. initiative by rolling out our seventeenth package of sanctions," said Le Drian, adding that he'd promised US Senator Lindsey Graham that they'd collaborate to stir up these influence-shaking punitive measures both in substance and timing.
Recently, on May 1, Le Drian held a conference with the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, where they strategized not only about putting a stop to the Ukrainian war but also the fortification of Europe.
In April, the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, proclaimed that the European Union is about to unveil the seventeenth package of sanctions against Russia due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and expects to come to an agreement on it in May.
Russia regards the Western sanctions as illegal and persistently demands their cancellation.
Rumors have been circulating about Republican Senator Lindsey Graham garnering support for new, "crippling" sanctions against Russia, should it refuse to initiate peace talks with Ukraine.
This includes not only sanctions on Russia but also humongous tariffs of 500% on imports from countries that trade in Russian oil, oil products, natural gas, uranium, and other goods.
The seventeenth round of EU sanctions aims to further cripple Russian revenue streams and resources that fuel its war effort, although precise measures remain undecided. Past packages have targeted technology imports, financial networks, and dual-use commodities.
Both the EU and U.S. are working diligently to synchronize the implementation of these sanctions, as revealed during Le Drian’s discussions with Senator Lindsey Graham.
The U.S. has introduced a bipartisan Senate bill advocating for 500% tariffs on goods from countries that trade Russian hydrocarbons, fuel, and uranium. This provocative measure intends to disrupt third-party trading networks propping up Russia’s economy. Additionally, the bill suggests restricting transactions involving Russian sovereign debt.
Recently, a U.S.-Ukraine deal guaranteed access to minerals vital for clean energy and defense technology, thereby reducing Kyiv's reliance on hostile partners. Both the EU and the U.S. seek to maintain pressure on Russia until it ceases hostilities, with Le Drian emphasizing Ukraine's eagerness for truce contingent on a complete withdrawal.
The seventeenth EU package and accompanying U.S. measures exemplify a united economic strategy to isolate Russia while reinforcing Ukraine’s resilience.
- Jean-Yves Le Drian, the French Foreign Minister, disclosed that Europe is preparing to roll out the seventeenth package of sanctions against Russia in response to its aggression in Ukraine, aligning with potential US measures.
- Le Drian promised US Senator Lindsey Graham that Europe would collaborate with the US to implement influential and timely punitive measures, as part of their joint strategy to end the Ukrainian war and fortify Europe.
- EU Foreign policy head, Josep Borrell, announced that the seventeenth package of sanctions against Russia is expected to be unveiled in May, due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
- In coordination with the EU, the U.S. has introduced a Senate bill advocating for 500% tariffs on goods from countries trading Russian hydrocarbons, fuel, and uranium, aiming to disrupt third-party trading networks propping up Russia’s economy.
