G7 finance ministers have discussed the possibility of imposing sanctions and tariffs on countries they believe are supporting Russia in the conflict in Ukraine.
According to a joint statement by the finance ministers, cited by Reuters, the G7 countries “have discussed a wide range of possible economic measures to increase pressure on Russia, including additional sanctions and trade measures, such as tariffs, on those that provide conditions for Russia's military efforts“.
G7 finance ministers also agreed to accelerate discussions on the possibility of using frozen Russian assets “for the defense of Ukraine“. As the Financial Times previously reported, citing sources, the United States intends to pressure other G7 countries to impose significantly higher tariffs on India and China for buying Russian oil.
On September 9, the Financial Times reported that Trump had called on the EU to increase tariffs on goods from China and India to 100% in order to increase pressure on Russia. Even earlier, the publication reported that the EU was considering the possibility of imposing sanctions on China and third countries for buying Russian oil and gas.
The foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germany – Yvette Cooper, Jean-Noel Barrot (resigned) and Johan Wadeful condemned Israel's airstrike on Doha on September 9, noting that the bombing, which targeted the leadership of the Palestinian movement “Hamas“, violated Qatar's sovereignty and could lead to further escalation, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
“Better action poses a serious risk to reaching a negotiated agreement“, they said in a statement published three days after the strikes. “We express solidarity with Qatar and fully support the vital role it continues to play in mediation efforts between Israel and “Hamas“, they added.