Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna welcomed the Senate initiative, stressing that approval of the sanctions package would deal a significant blow to Russia’s economy. “Energy exports play a central role in financing Russia’s war machine, accounting for nearly one third of the aggressor’s state budget,” Tsahkna said.
“Late Senator Lindsey Graham proposed imposing tariffs on countries that contribute to Russia’s aggression or facilitate the operations of its shadow fleet. This is an important step that directly undermines Russia’s economic capacity and reduces the revenue Moscow can channel into continuing its aggression against Ukraine. We commend the U.S. senators for this groundbreaking proposal.”
According to Tsahkna, the international community — including the European Union and the United States — must continue exerting pressure on Moscow until Russia stops bombing Ukraine and killing civilians, abandons its imperial ambitions, and takes accountability for the crimes it has committed. He emphasized that EU member states must overcome the current deadlock and approve a robust 21st sanctions package, which would, among other measures, keep the price cap on Russian crude oil at a consistently low level.
“Sanctions and international isolation are working: Russia’s economy is clearly deteriorating, internal tensions are rising, and Ukraine is achieving significant strategic gains on the battlefield. Russia will not abandon its aggressive course until countermeasures inflict truly painful consequences. Pressure on the aggressor must therefore remain steady and unwavering. This is not the moment for concessions,” Tsahkna stressed.
In addition to measures targeting countries that import Russian energy, the sanctions package includes restrictions on Russian President Vladimir Putin, other senior officials, financial institutions, state-owned enterprises, and companies supporting Russia’s defense industry. The next step is approval by the full Senate.
