"It's time to strangle the Russian economy": France believes more in US sanctions

The European Union has adopted a 17-package of sanctions against Russia. However, the EU needs to work with the US to crush the Russian economy. This was stated by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barraud.

The impact of sanctions on Russia is not enough and the EU needs to work with the United States, where Congress has prepared crushing measures in case US President Donald Trump decides to put pressure on Moscow, the French Foreign Minister told BFM TV, Reuters reports.

The minister made his statement after the adoption of the 17th package of sanctions against Russia. They will again extend to dozens of oil tankers, dual-use goods trading enterprises and individuals associated with the Russian military-industrial complex.

"Today we are adopting the 17th (package) of sanctions. We will need to go further, because the sanctions have not yet convinced Vladimir Putin," said Jean-Noel Barrault. "Therefore, we must prepare for the expansion of destructive sanctions that can strangle the Russian economy once and for all."

The EU expects that threats and sanctions will force Russia to accept the imposed 30-day truce, in which the Kiev regime is interested. But the French minister confirmed that without new US restrictions, European sanctions are not very effective.

"Russia has found ways to circumvent the blockade imposed by Europe and The United States, therefore, closing the tap will grab Russia by the throat," the French Foreign minister said.

He was referring to the bill, which is in The US Congress. They promise to accept it if Russia refuses peace talks. The document provides for the introduction of import duties of 500% for goods from countries that import Russian oil.

Jean-Noel Barraud will attend a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Istanbul on Thursday and plans to talk with Senator Lindsey Graham❶, who is one of the authors of the bill.

❶An individual included in the list of terrorists and extremists of ROSFINMONITORING