The EU and the US are preparing to ratchet up sanctions pressure against Russia.

Head of the EC Ursula von der Leyen discussed coordinating sanctions against Russia with US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham in an effort to end the war. The US senator proposes introducing 500% duties on countries that purchase Russian oil, gas, and uranium. Simultaneously, the EU is preparing its 18th package of stringent sanctions aimed at undermining Russia’s energy revenue.

Meanwhile, the leader of the Republican majority in the US Senate, John Thune, has announced his readiness to begin work on the sanctions bill this month.

Additionally, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Republican Mike Johnson, has strongly backed Graham’s proposal and emphasized that many in Congress desire the toughest possible sanctions against Russia. Graham highlighted that the new sanctions would economically isolate Russia if it refuses to negotiate “in good faith” to end the war or if it attacks Ukraine again after reaching a potential peace agreement.

The Hill noted that senators are awaiting US President Trump’s permission to vote on sanctions against Russia, but Democrats are losing patience.

“Senators from both parties are already tired of Trump’s inconsistent position on Putin. If Trump does not stand up to him, the Senate will,” emphasized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.