The American Senate is considering a bill that would allow President Donald Trump to impose a 500% tariff on countries purchasing Russian goods. This was reported by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. At the same time, Ukraine’s Presidential Commissioner for Sanctions, Vladislav Vasyuk, expressed the opinion that the document is likely to be approved, but not in its current form.
This is reported by Business • Media
The EU is Working on a New Sanctions Package
The European Union has begun preparations for the 19th sanctions package against the Russian Federation. In addition to the vessels of the Russian shadow fleet, the list is expected to include port infrastructure. Meanwhile, according to Vasyuk, the EU has not yet agreed on the 18th package of restrictions, which includes a reduction of the maximum price for Russian oil from $60 to $45 per barrel. This decision is being blocked by Greece, Cyprus, and Malta, which can transport Russian oil without hindrance due to the current “price cap.” Ukraine hopes that a compromise on this package of restrictions will be reached in the coming days.
France and the United Kingdom Intensify Pressure
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot noted that the EU, at the initiative of France and in close coordination with American senators, is developing the strictest sanctions against Russia since the beginning of the full-scale war. These measures are intended to strike at the aggressor’s oil revenues, financial institutions, and intermediaries in third countries.
“They will hit Russia’s oil revenues, financial structures, and intermediaries in third countries.”
Additionally, according to Vasyuk, the G7 countries are discussing the creation of a special group to monitor the implementation of Western sanctions. Most of Ukraine’s partners support this initiative; however, the USA has not yet finalized its position and plans to make a decision in September of this year.
At the same time, the United Kingdom recently imposed a new package of sanctions against Russia in response to the use of chemical weapons against Ukraine.