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DEThe European Union and the United States agreed to coordinate on issues of shared interest, including Ukraine, Russia, China, Belarus, and the Western Balkans.
According to the White House press service, a telephone conversation between U.S. President Joe Biden and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen took place on Friday, 5 March, during which the parties reached the relevant agreement.
As reported, Biden underscored his support for the European Union and his commitment to repair and revitalise the U.S.-EU partnership. In addition, the leaders agreed to suspend the tariffs related to the World Trade Organisation disputes. The cooperation to contain the COVID-19 pandemic was also discussed.
As a reminder, on 2 March, the United States and the European Union simultaneously imposed sanctions on Russian high-ranking officials suspected of involvement in persecuting and poisoning Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
There are four officials on the list published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The United States announced imposition of sanctions against seven senior officials and 14 organisations involved in chemical production.
As Bloomberg reports, the United States and Britain are currently weighing additional penalties against the Russian Federation over the use of chemical weapons against Navalny. This time, economic restrictions may be imposed against Russian oligarchs and sovereign debt. Potential measures are planned to be discussed with key European allies, including France and Germany.
The other day, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Stephen Pifer said that Joe Biden expressed readiness to push Ukraine to carry out reforms, doing this even in a tough way if necessary. According to the diplomat, this must be done if Ukraine wants to be a successful state and realise its full potential.
Bohdan Marusyak
