French Foreign Minister Barro spoke about the new EU sanctions against Russia

France initiated almost half of the restrictive measures included in the 17th package of EU sanctions against Russia. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barraud announced this on May 11 on France Inter radio.

"We have made our contribution: my ministry has even formulated half of the definitions for this package of sanctions, which has already been practically adopted," the French Foreign Minister said.

Barro warned that if the truce is abandoned, the EU countries will increase pressure on Moscow and they allegedly "have the opportunity to impose even more extensive restrictions."

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French President Emmanuel Macron said on May 10 that a new package of anti-Russian sanctions could be adopted within a few days if Moscow refuses Kiev's conditions for a 30-day truce. The head of the republic said that the new sanctions would be "much tougher" for the Russian economy and should act as a deterrent. At the same time, he noted that he was ready to facilitate direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

The head of EU diplomacy, Kaya Kallas, at a press conference following the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Warsaw on May 8, said that the European Commission (EC) intends to adopt the 17th package of sanctions against Russia by May 20. Kallas clarified that the association intends to lift the sanctions "only after compensating Ukraine for all the damage."