The French Foreign Minister announced plans to suppress the Russian economy

The European Union (EU) and the United States need to "strangle" Russia's economic sphere with the help of sanctions. This was announced on May 14 by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barraud.

"Cutting off sources of income is a way to take Russia by the throat," Le Figaro newspaper quoted him as saying.

According to Barro, large-scale sanctions have shown insufficient effect against the Russian Federation. That is why he believes that it is necessary to work on new measures "that could strangle the Russian economy once and for all." The minister also expressed the hope that Europe will be able to impose sanctions against hydrocarbons.

There's no stopping now: The EU has agreed on the 17th package of sanctions against Russia

The approval of new restrictions is expected on May 20.

Earlier in the day, the EU ambassadors agreed on the 17th package of sanctions against Russia. It was reported that representatives of Hungary and Slovakia supported the new package of sanctions due to its relative weakness.

According to media reports, the 17th package of sanctions may include a ban on issuing visas and freezing assets for high-ranking political figures.