In the wake of escalating hostilities in Ukraine, EU officials and U.S. lawmakers are intensifying their efforts to impose stricter sanctions on Russia. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that the “war cannot continue” and that the EU is preparing to implement the “toughest sanctions” of the last three years in coordination with American senators. Barrot emphasized that these measures are crucial to undermining Vladimir Putin’s war efforts, as they directly target the resources enabling Moscow’s military operations.
Russian President Putin has increasingly relied on support from allies such as Belarus, China, and Iran to sustain his war against Ukraine, according to Barrot. These partnerships help Russia bypass Western sanctions that have aimed to limit Moscow’s ability to sustain its military campaign. The sanctions package under consideration is expected to further cut off these avenues, potentially disrupting the flow of critical resources to the Russian military.
The U.S. Senate has been working on a sanctions bill, with Senator Lindsey Graham playing a pivotal role. Graham has consistently called for additional measures against Russia, emphasizing the need to equip President Trump with more tools to end the conflict. He expects the Senate to move the bipartisan sanctions bill following the conclusion of the July congressional break. The bill could introduce tariffs and sanctions on countries that support Russia’s war machine and fail to assist Ukraine.
Barrot’s comments come amid heightened tensions as Russia faces mounting pressure from both European and American allies. The proposed sanctions are a response to Russia’s continued aggression, particularly its use of drones and missiles to attack Ukrainian civilian areas. Barrot stressed that these measures are necessary to ensure a swift end to the war. With the war having claimed thousands of lives and caused extensive devastation, the EU and U.S. are determined to take decisive action to enforce accountability and bring about a resolution.