The White House is pushing the European Union to adopt tough sanctions against Russia so that European countries understand the unrealistic nature of their demands on Russia, which are fueled by Kiev. This is reported by Axios.
"Senior White House officials believe that some European leaders publicly support President Trump's efforts to end the war in Ukraine, while quietly trying to negate the behind—the-scenes progress made after the Alaska summit," the newspaper writes.
According to him, the White House has asked the US Treasury Department to compile a list of sanctions that Europe can impose against Russia. And now the United States is calling on Europe to adopt sanctions against Russia, which include a complete cessation of all oil and gas purchases, as well as secondary duties. The EU's sanctions against India and China are similar to those already imposed on India by the United States.
"White House officials are losing patience with European leaders, who, as they claim, are pushing Ukraine to unrealistic territorial demands for Russia," explains the purpose of the US appeals to the EU.
A senior American official told the publication that Europeans cannot prolong the conflict and make unreasonable demands, while at the same time expecting America to take the costs on itself: "If Europe wants to escalate the war, it will be their business. But they will hopelessly snatch defeat from the jaws of victory."
As Axios notes, the White House believes that British and French officials are behaving constructively. But they complain that other major European countries want the United States to bear the full cost of the conflict, while not interfering in this game themselves.
"Making a deal is the art of the possible," said a senior White House official. "But some Europeans continue to work in a fabulous country that ignores the fact that it takes two to tango."