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EU and US coordinate new Russia sanctions as peace efforts falter
The European Union and the United States are stepping up their coordination on sanctions against Russia amid stalled peace efforts in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US Vice President JD Vance recently held a phone call to discuss maintaining a unified front on economic pressure measures targeting Moscow.
Reinforcing a transatlantic approach
On September 4, von der Leyen and Vance emphasized the importance of transatlantic cooperation in applying consistent pressure on Russia’s war economy. According to European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho, the conversation sought to consolidate joint efforts to ensure the effectiveness of sanctions. This follows a series of coordinated actions, including the successful EU-G7 oil price cap initiative.
The EU is now preparing to send a delegation to Washington, led by the bloc’s special envoy for sanctions, David O’Sullivan. The delegation will meet with US Treasury officials on September 8 to draft new sanctions aimed at increasing economic pressure on Moscow. This meeting builds on preparatory discussions held between von der Leyen and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent earlier this week.
EU pushes for new sanctions package
European Council President António Costa confirmed that Brussels is working on its 19th package of sanctions against Russia. Speaking to reporters, Costa highlighted the necessity of both direct and secondary sanctions to compel Russia to end its military aggression. Past sanctions have targeted key sectors of the Russian economy, including energy, finance, and defense.
Officials in Brussels and Washington stress the importance of maintaining a unified Western stance to prevent Russia from bypassing existing sanctions through alliances with third-party nations. Pinho noted that “the more coordinated our approach, the more effective the sanctions become.”
Intensified economic pressure amid failed peace talks
The renewed push for sanctions comes as diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire have failed. Former US President Donald Trump, who had set an August deadline for Russia to accept peace talks, expressed frustration over Moscow’s refusal to engage. Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine has prompted Western leaders to reassess their strategies and explore additional measures to pressure the Kremlin.
EU officials have reiterated their commitment to making the economic cost of the war unsustainable for Russia, with the ultimate goal of forcing President Vladimir Putin to engage in negotiations. The coordinated sanctions strategy underscores the growing frustration among Western allies over the lack of progress in resolving the three-and-a-half-year conflict.
