French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has called on Europe and the United States to prepare for a sweeping escalation in economic sanctions against Russia, declaring that it is time to “suffocate the Russian economy once and for all.” Speaking on May 14 on French news broadcaster BFMTV, Barrot stressed the need for a unified transatlantic front as Moscow continues its war in Ukraine.
Barrot’s remarks followed the European Union’s (EU) adoption of its 17th package of sanctions, which targets the use of “ghost” tankers employed by Russia to evade existing restrictions. Despite these efforts, Barrot warned that the sanctions implemented so far have not deterred Russian President Vladimir Putin’s military campaign.
“Russia has found ways around the blockade imposed by Europe and the United States,” Barrot stated. “Turning off the tap in this way is a way of taking Russia by the throat.”
The minister referenced a sanctions package proposed by U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, which includes imposing 500% customs duties on Russian oil and similar tariffs on nations that continue importing Russian crude. Barrot confirmed he would meet with Graham on Thursday in Turkey to discuss the plan and potential coordination between the U.S. and EU.
Barrot insisted the West must go further: “We will have to go further, because these massive sanctions have not yet dissuaded Vladimir Putin from continuing his war of aggression against Ukraine.” He added, “I hope that Europe will in turn be able to brandish sanctions on hydrocarbons.”
Talks on Ukraine are scheduled for Thursday in Turkey, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expected to attend. Zelensky has invited Putin to participate in the discussions, though the Kremlin has yet to respond.
