The United States and the European Union have threatened to impose new sanctions on Russia

The Italian government said on Tuesday that the United States and the European Union had reached a “broad consensus” on the need to increase pressure on Russia, especially through “new sanctions”.

The memorandum also acknowledged the need for the Allies to “enhance Moscow’s international isolation.”

The announcement was confirmed by European Commission President Ursula van der Leyen. “We will further strengthen our sanctions against Russia and intensify financial and security assistance to Ukraine,” he tweeted.

The decision was made during a video conference meeting between President Joe Biden and key US allies dedicated to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The video conference brought together French leaders Emmanuel Macron; Boris Johnson, from the United Kingdom; From Germany, Olaf Scholz; From Romania, Glass Iohanis; Poland, Andrzej Duda; Italy, Mario Draghi; Canada, Justin Trudeau; And Japan, Fumio Kishida.

Van der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel and NATO President Jens Stoltenberg were also present.

In a statement, Stoltenberg confirmed that participants had reached a consensus on the “importance of making Russia pay more” for the invasion of Ukraine.

The Italian government reiterated that “mutual commitment to diversify energy resources, thus reducing dependence on Russian supplies.”

Casa Blanca spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the participants discussed “concerted efforts to repay significant economic costs to Russia” for their actions.

An increase in sanctions has been announced amid a new phase of Russian offensive against Ukraine in the Donbass region (east).

Pro-Moscow separatists have controlled parts of the Donbass since 2014 in two self-proclaimed republics in the Donetsk and Luhansk provinces.