French foreign minister: EU readies toughest sanctions yet against Russia

The European Union, led by France and backed by U.S. senators, is preparing what could be the toughest package of restrictive measures against Russia since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told French broadcaster TF1.

According to Barrot, the number of Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities has increased fivefold following U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for a 30-day ceasefire — a plan Ukraine agreed to.

“This cannot go on. It must stop. To achieve that, and in coordination with American senators, Europe is preparing to adopt the most severe sanctions we’ve imposed in the past three years, based on French proposals,” Barrot said.

The new sanctions are designed to “drain the resources that allow [Kremlin ruler] Vladimir Putin to continue his war.”

He continued: “Putin is no longer advancing on the battlefield and has resorted to bombarding residential areas with drones and missiles. This is causing massive civilian casualties. It has to end.” 

The upcoming sanctions package will target not only Russia’s energy sector — particularly oil exports — but also financial institutions and individuals both inside Russia and abroad who help the Kremlin evade existing restrictions.

According to Barrot, this is precisely why Putin has been able to sustain his war effort despite mounting international pressure.