US and EU Coordinate Strong Measures Against Russia Over Ukraine

The United States is prepared to take decisive action against Russia concerning its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made this statement following discussions with David O’Sullivan, the European Union sanctions envoy, on September 8, 2023. These talks are part of broader efforts to enhance cooperation between the US and EU regarding sanctions aimed at Moscow.

During meetings scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, US officials and their EU counterparts are working to strengthen their coordinated approach to sanctions. O’Sullivan is leading the EU delegation in Washington, where he has focused on preventing Russia from evading existing sanctions. Bessent expressed in a post on social media platform X that “all options remain on the table” as part of the strategy set forth by President Donald Trump to facilitate peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv.

Bessent highlighted the necessity of full European cooperation to ensure the success of these measures. “Business as usual has not worked,” he stated, emphasizing that strong measures are essential to address the ongoing situation. The discussions reportedly lasted less than two hours and included talks about potential economic sanctions and tariff actions. Officials present included representatives from the Treasury Department, the White House, the State Department, and the US Trade Representative’s office.

Trump has previously indicated a willingness to impose additional sanctions on Russia, especially following a recent escalation of military action, where the Kremlin launched its largest aerial assault on Ukraine to date. The US administration is particularly focused on penalizing nations that continue to purchase Russian oil, aiming to cut off vital revenue streams for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his military efforts. As of now, only India has been affected by such secondary sanctions.

The EU is also preparing to implement a new round of sanctions against Russia, marking its 19th package since the invasion began in 2022. This upcoming set of sanctions is expected to include additional secondary measures targeting countries that assist Moscow in avoiding penalties. Germany and France are advocating for sanctions against Russian oil giant Lukoil as part of these new restrictions, according to diplomatic sources.

The coordinated efforts between the US and EU signal a strategic alignment in their approach to countering Russian actions in Ukraine. As discussions continue, both parties are committed to intensifying their response to ensure that Moscow faces significant consequences for its military aggression.