E.U. leaders weighing punitive tariffs on Russia after Putin skips Istanbul talks — Politico

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European leaders are weighing the possibility of imposing punitive tariffs on imports from Russia after President Vladimir Putin failed to attend planned talks in Istanbul, Politico reports.

According to the outlet’s sources, E.U., Ukrainian, and Turkish leaders are expected to discuss tightening sanctions against Russia during a meeting on May 16 in Albania.

The sources said one of the proposals involves imposing steep duties — so-called punitive tariffs — on goods from Russia. The idea follows a recent proposal by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who called for 500 percent tariffs on imports from countries that continue to buy Russian oil, gas, and uranium. One source told Politico that the “magnitude” of Graham’s proposal had inspired European leaders.

The European Union had previously warned that it would impose additional sanctions if Moscow refused to support a 30-day ceasefire backed by Ukraine. Russia did not halt hostilities when the proposed truce was set to begin on May 12. The E.U. also signaled that further restrictions could depend on Putin’s participation in the Istanbul talks, originally scheduled for May 15. Instead of attending, the Russian president sent a lower-level delegation.

who did Putin send?

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