EU, US set sights on Russia with fresh sanctions, diplomatic resolve

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with US Senator Lindsey Graham in Berlin to discuss enhancing transatlantic coordination on sanctions against Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

In a post-meeting statement, von der Leyen underscored the critical need for a ceasefire and revitalized diplomatic engagement, asserting that “pressure works, as the Kremlin understands nothing else,” Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The European Commission president welcomed Senator Graham’s pledge to advance a new sanctions bill in the US Senate next week, which aims to escalate punitive measures against Moscow. This legislative initiative aligns with the European Union’s preparations for its 18th sanctions package, which targets key sectors of the Russian economy.

Von der Leyen detailed that the upcoming EU sanctions will focus on curbing Russia’s energy revenues, imposing restrictions on Nord Stream infrastructure, tightening controls on the banking sector, and lowering the cap on crude oil prices. “These steps, taken together with US measures, would sharply increase the joint impact of our sanctions,” she said, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts between Brussels and Washington.

Beyond sanctions, the two leaders addressed the ongoing tariff dispute between the EU and the United States. Both von der Leyen and Graham expressed support for reaching a negotiated resolution within the current 90-day window, aiming to ease transatlantic trade tensions.

By Vafa Guliyeva