Von der Leyen Meets US Senator Graham to Coordinate EU-US Sanctions Against Russia

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met today (June 2, 2025) in Berlin with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham to discuss coordination between the EU and the US regarding sanctions against Russia. According to a Commission announcement, von der Leyen explained that “we need a genuine ceasefire, we need Russia at the negotiating table, and we must end this war.” She also emphasized that “pressure works, as the Kremlin understands nothing else” and welcomed Senator Graham’s commitment to increase pressure on Russia and proceed with the bill in the Senate next week. The EU is preparing an 18th package of ‘strict sanctions,’ targeting Russia’s energy revenues, including Nord Stream infrastructure, the Russian banking sector, and further reducing the price cap on Russian crude oil (countries in the G7 have set a maximum selling price of $60 per barrel). This aims to further reduce Moscow’s income combined with actions targeting Russia’s shadow fleet. Von der Leyen and Senator Graham also discussed the issue of the 20,000 children abducted from Ukraine and potential further pressure on Russia. Regarding the tariff dispute, both sides agreed that a negotiated solution before the 90-day period ends would be the ‘best scenario.’