EU seeks to coordinate drafts of anti-Russian sanctions with U.S. - European Commission spokesperson

BRUSSELS. May 27 (Interfax) - The European Union is holding consultations with the United States on anti-Russian sanctions in order to pool efforts and to achieve a greater effect from the restrictions, European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho said.

"Of course, we try to coordinate with the U.S. on sanctions to the extent possible, because the more we join on that front, the bigger impact we can have," Pinho said at a press briefing in Brussels on Tuesday. She was asked whether the EU was coordinating the efforts with the U.S. and discussing the Senate bill on additional sanctions against Russia.

The European Commission is coordinating sanction plans with the U.S. "in the various forms," including the G7, she said, however, avoiding a direct answer to the question about the Senate bill.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham (listed as a terrorist and extremist in Russia) has drafted a bill on primary and secondary sanctions against Russia to take effect unless Russia agrees to a ceasefire. In particular, the bill imposes 500% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, gas, uranium and other commodities.

Meanwhile, the European Union is drafting the 18th package of anti-Russian sanctions.