FM: France eyes new EU sanctions on Russia to push for ceasefire

France is preparing a new package of European Union sanctions against Russia aimed at pressuring President Vladimir Putin into accepting a ceasefire in Ukraine, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on July 22.

Speaking during a visit to Ukraine in an interview with Radio France, Barrot said he had instructed his staff to draft a “heavier” set of sanctions in coordination with the United States, Caliber.Az reports.

“The goal is to bring an end to hostilities and open the way for formal negotiations,” he said. “We want these sanctions adopted as quickly as possible to drain the Russian war economy.”

The announcement comes days after the EU approved its 18th sanctions package targeting Moscow since the war began in 2022.

The latest measures include restrictions on Russian industry and a lower price cap on Russian oil exports.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on July 21 that a new round of talks with Russian representatives is scheduled to take place in Türkiye on July 23-24. 

He said Ukraine has observed an unconditional 30-day ceasefire offer for five months, but Moscow has yet to respond in kind.

“This is an unjust, inhumane, and cynical war,” Barrot said.

By Aghakazim Guliyev