The European Union must focus on a new sanctions package to suffocate Russia's economy and force President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, France's foreign minister said on Wednesday. Speaking after the EU adopted a 17th sanctions package,

France is spearheading a renewed European effort to impose sweeping new sanctions on Russia, linking economic pressure to the urgent push for a ceasefire in Ukraine.

The European Union has adopted a 17-package of sanctions against Russia. However, the EU needs to work with the US to crush the Russian economy. This was stated by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barraud.