Doha: France called on the European Union (EU) and all its member states to prioritize the adoption of a new sanctions package aimed at isolating the Russian economy and compelling President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine.

According to Qatar News Agency, French Foreign Minister Jean-No«l Barrot, speaking in reference to the EU’s 17th sanctions package against Russia, stated that the current impact of sanctions has not been sufficient. The EU must coordinate closely with the United States (US), where its Congress has prepared stringent measures that could be enacted should President Donald Trump choose to exert pressure on Russia.

He added that even with the adoption of the 17th sanctions package, action must still go further, as sanctions have yet to deter Putin from pursuing war in Ukraine.

Barrot emphasized the need for the bloc to prepare for an escalation in sanctions, as they can cripple the Russian economy. He noted that such measures would depend on halting Russia’s military operations in Ukrainian territory.

The 17th sanctions package targets approximately 200 oil tankers linked to Russia’s so-called ‘shadow fleet’, imposes new restrictions on 30 companies involved in the trade of dual-use goods, and adds 75 individuals and entities associated with the Russian military-industrial complex to the sanctions list, following the recent inclusion of 20 others.

EU member states have also agreed to broaden the legal foundation of the sanctions framework in response to Russian threats. One of the new measures will authorize the EU to sanction fleets of vessels responsible for damaging undersea cables and other strategic assets.