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EU Prepares New Sanctions Package as France Calls Putin “Sole Obstacle” to Peace
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
The European Union is set to roll out a 17th round of sanctions against Russia, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said, calling leader Vladimir Putin “the only obstacle” to peace in Ukraine, French media outlet France24 reported on May 2.
Barrot confirmed that the EU aims to align its next sanctions package with the United States. “We Europeans will accompany this American [sanctions] initiative with a 17th package of sanctions, and I committed yesterday to [US Senator] Lindsey Graham that we would try to coordinate both the substance and the timing of these two packages of sanctions,” he said.
Barrot did not hold back in his assessment of Russia’s role in the ongoing war: “It is now crystal clear that the only obstacle to peace today in Ukraine is Vladimir Putin.”
In contrast, Barrot praised Ukraine’s recent moves to foster international cooperation, particularly with the United States.
“Ukraine accepted an unconditional ceasefire and yesterday it agreed to conclude an agreement on critical minerals with the United States,” he said.
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The minerals deal, which is expected to bolster Ukraine’s economy and reduce its dependence on adversarial trade partners, also serves American interests by securing access to vital raw materials used in clean energy, semiconductors, and defense technology.
Barrot hinted that France—known for its expertise in rare earths—could eventually enter into a similar agreement with Ukraine.
Barrot sharply criticized Moscow’s unwillingness to pursue peace: “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, and that the Europeans and of course the Ukrainians aspire to.”
His remarks came after a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Barrot described the discussion as “an unfiltered exchange” that highlighted “a convergence of our objectives on regional and international crises, since we want to act in concert.”
The State Department echoed that sentiment. Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the meeting aimed to “advance the path to peace in Ukraine,” adding that Secretary Rubio emphasized President Trump’s commitment to “halting the senseless bloodshed” and working closely with allies to achieve lasting peace.
Earlier, France convened the United Nations Security Council to address Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine and its intensifying strikes on civilians.
The meeting was called by France, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council.
-a80eca3386f843ec2c53278e18ae1131.jpg "Rare Footage Shows Ukrainian Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Unit Launching Multiple Chaklun-V UAVs at Night, Video")
