Photo: @vonderleyen
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham to agree on a joint strategy for sanctions pressure on Russia in response to its war against Ukraine, the European Commission website reports.
“We need a real ceasefire, and Russia must come to the negotiating table. The Kremlin only responds to pressure, and we are increasing this pressure,” von der Leyen said.
The President welcomed the Senator’s intention to introduce a new sanctions bill in the US Senate next week.
EU prepares new 18th package of sanctions
The new package will include measures aimed at:
- the Russian energy sector, including the Nord Stream infrastructure,
- the Russian banking system,
- lowering the price ceiling for Russian oil,
- limiting the activities of Russia’s “shadow fleet” that transports raw materials to circumvent sanctions.
Also in focus: abducted Ukrainian children
The parties discussed the fate of more than 20,000 Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, as well as ways to further pressure the Kremlin to return the young Ukrainian citizens home.
Trade tensions: 90 days for a decision
Von der Leyen and Graham agreed that the tariff dispute between the EU and the US should be resolved through negotiations before the 90-day deadline.
