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.

The European Union has adopted a 17-package of sanctions against Russia. However, the EU needs to work with the US to crush the Russian economy. This was stated by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barraud.

"We are waiting for (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's agreement and we agree that if there is no real progress this week, we want to work together at European level for a significant tightening of sanctions," Merz said at a news conference with his Greek counterpart.