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.

European Union countries are reportedly in preliminary agreement on a new package of sanctions against Russia. "However, this is a very weak package," diplomats unofficially admit, stating that EU countries have reached the limit of their ability to adopt more extensive economic sanctions.

The European Union’s 17th package of sanctions against Russia, agreed on May 14, is being hailed in Brussels as a symbol of steady resolve. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the move,