EU, US prepare for tougher sanctions against Russia

BRUSSELS

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met US Senator Lindsey Graham in Berlin on Monday to discuss bolstering EU-US coordination on sanctions against Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine.

In a readout, von der Leyen emphasized the need for a ceasefire and renewed diplomatic efforts, saying "pressure works, as the Kremlin understands nothing else."

She welcomed Senator Graham's commitment to advancing a sanctions bill in the US Senate next week, aimed at intensifying pressure on Moscow.

The European Commission is currently preparing its 18th sanctions package, which will focus on cutting Russia's energy revenues, targeting Nord Stream infrastructure, the banking sector, and lowering the crude oil price cap.

"These steps, taken together with US measures, would sharply increase the joint impact of our sanctions," von der Leyen said after the meeting.

Von der Leyen and Graham also touched upon the ongoing EU-US tariff dispute, expressing mutual support for a negotiated solution within the current 90-day window.