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 on Wednesday. Speaking after the EU adopted a 17th sanctions package,

Russia’s economy is under growing strain as its invasion of Ukraine drags on and Western sanctions are undermining President Vladimir Putin’s ability to sustain his war, a leading European economist said after briefing finance ministers on Tuesday.

The European Union has approved the 17th package of sanctions against Russia. The list of restrictions includes 189 more vessels of Moscow's shadow fleet, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says.