France Calls to "Suffocate Russia’s Economy"

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot believes that the European Union should focus on a new package of sanctions to "suffocate Russia's economy" and force Russian President Vladimir Putin to end his war against Ukraine.

The Gaze reports on this with reference to Reuters.

Speaking after the approval of the 17th package of EU sanctions against Russia, Barrot said that the impact of the measures so far has been insufficient, and the EU should cooperate with the United States, where Congress has already prepared crippling measures in case US President Donald Trump decides to put pressure on Moscow.

"We must go further, because the current sanctions have not convinced Vladimir Putin to stop his war of aggression. So, we must prepare for the expansion of crippling sanctions that could finally suffocate once and for all Russia's economy," the French foreign minister said.

Barrot also said that he would hold talks with US Senator Lindsey Graham on the sanctions bill he is preparing.

This bill provides for the imposition of 500% tariffs on countries importing Russian oil, the French Foreign Minister said.

"Russia has found ways to circumvent the restrictions imposed by Europe and the United States, so “turning off the tap” could take Russia by the throat," he added.

As The Gaze reported earlier, the 17th package of sanctions against Russia approved by the EU ambassadors includes sanctions that target Russia's "shadow fleet", with nearly 200 vessels, including oil tankers, being restricted. The ambassadors also approved additional sanctions against Russia for human rights violations, hybrid interventions around the world, and chemical weapons proliferation.

It was also written that the European Commission is going to continue sanctions pressure on Russia, so after the approval of the 17th package, work will begin on the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia.