The European Union (EU), led by France, is finalizing a 17th round of sanctions targeting Russia, reinforcing growing transatlantic unity aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed the sanctions are being coordinated with the United States following his meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
“We Europeans will accompany this American [sanctions] initiative with a 17th package of sanctions,” Barrot told Agence France-Presse (AFP), committing to align both the content and timing with Washington.
The new sanctions come as Ukraine signs an economic cooperation deal with the United States focused on critical minerals—resources vital for advanced manufacturing and defense technologies. “Ukraine accepted an unconditional ceasefire and yesterday it agreed to conclude an agreement on critical minerals with the United States,” Barrot said.
Barrot highlighted Kyiv’s willingness to engage diplomatically and noted Moscow’s intransigence. “It is now crystal clear that the only obstacle to peace today in Ukraine is Vladimir Putin,” he declared. “Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin’s Russia has made no effort, has sent no sign that it is ready for the ceasefire or the peace that President Donald Trump aspires to.”
Barrot and Rubio’s discussions aimed to “advance the path to peace in Ukraine,” according to U.S. officials. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that “President Trump is focused on halting the senseless bloodshed in Ukraine and affirmed a US commitment to working closely with France and other European partners.”
Barrot also hinted at possible French cooperation with Ukraine on critical minerals, citing France’s “expertise” in the sector. He described the current moment as “decisive for Europe” and underscored French President Emmanuel Macron’s call for a more autonomous European defense identity within NATO.
