Politico names EU vote date on new sanctions against Russia

EU awaits US signal on readiness to coordinate sanctions against RUSSIA, vote could take place after G7 summit. Von der Leyen believes measures are needed to continue negotiations. Kremlin calls 'ultimatum language' unacceptable

EU countries may vote on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia on June 20, Politico reports, citing a diplomat familiar with the preparations for the G7 summit.

The G7 leaders' meeting will take place in CANADA on June 15-17. According to the source, the EU expects the US to confirm its readiness for a coordinated approach to sanctions. Once the "signal" is received, Brussels will begin working on restrictive measures.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said last week that the EU was discussing with the US the possibility of imposing new sanctions simultaneously if Russian President Vladimir Putin “does not sit down at the negotiating table ” on a settlement with Ukraine. Western countries primarily want to target Russian energy and “cut off sources of funding,” she said.

Politico wrote that the restrictions could affect companies associated with the Nord Stream gas pipeline system and prices foroil .

After meeting with US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, the author of a bill on “crushing” sanctions against Russia, von der Leyen said she was pleased with his plans to increase pressure on Moscow. The document, among other things, proposes 500% duties on imports from countries that buy Russian oil, petroleum products, natural gas, uranium and other products, and is supported by more than 80 senators.US President Donald Trump called the project "very strong," promising that Washington would use it if necessary.

The EU began preparing a new package of sanctions immediately after the previous one was adopted on May 20, which included 75 individuals and legal entities, including KAMAZ CEO Sergei Kogogin, Surgutneftegaz, and the insurance company VSK.

The Russian authorities are demanding that the restrictions be lifted, calling them illegal. The Kremlin has stated that scaring Russia with sanctions is “an empty matter,” Moscow is determined to “seriously search for ways to achieve a long-term peaceful settlement,” but the “language of ultimatums” is unacceptable.

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