EU readies new Russia sanctions with US coordination

The European Union is preparing its 18th package of “hard-biting” sanctions targeting Russia, aiming to tighten pressure on the Kremlin’s energy revenues and financial sector, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday.

These steps, taken together with US measures, would sharply increase the joint impact of our sanctions, said President von der Leyen after an earlier meeting in Berlin with US Senator Lindsey Graham.

von der Leyen said the new measures will include action on Nord Stream infrastructure, further restrictions on Russian banks, and a reduced crude oil price cap. The package will also address Russia’s shadow fleet to limit its oil transport capacity.

She welcomed the US Senate’s plan to advance complementary sanctions and said joint efforts would significantly increase the overall impact.

The two sides also discussed Russia’s abduction of thousands of Ukrainian children and pledged continued pressure. On trade, both agreed a negotiated resolution to the ongoing tariff dispute within the 90-day period would be the preferred outcome.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser