EU Chief Ursula Discusses 500% Tariff and Tough Sanctions on Russia with Republican Senator
Brussels, June 2 – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with U.S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham in Berlin on Monday to discuss increasing joint pressure on Russia through new, stricter sanctions.
In a statement following the European Commission meeting, it was noted:
“Discussions were held on coordinating EU-U.S. sanctions in response to Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine.”
The statement further added:
“Pressure works because the Kremlin understands nothing else. That is why the President [von der Leyen] is pleased that Senator Graham has committed to intensifying pressure on Russia and to advancing the bill in the U.S. Senate next week.”
Senator Lindsey Graham has proposed a bill that could impose tariffs as high as 500% on countries that import oil from Russia. Parts of Europe are reportedly viewing the proposal with interest, seeing it as a potential model for action.
Meanwhile, the European Union is preparing its 18th round of sanctions against Russia. However, diplomats acknowledge that reaching consensus on which sectors to target next is becoming increasingly difficult.
Proposed new EU sanctions include:
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Measures targeting the decommissioned Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea to prevent their possible future reactivation,
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Expanding the shadow fleet blacklist,
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Further lowering the price cap on Russian oil, and
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Additional restrictions on Russia’s financial sector.
Von der Leyen stated:
“If these actions are aligned with U.S. sanctions, our combined pressure will be far more effective. Coordinated efforts to dismantle Russia’s shadow fleet are a powerful strategy to dry up the Kremlin’s war chest.”
This high-level meeting comes at a time when representatives from Ukraine and Russia are participating in a new round of peace talks in Turkey.
