Russia’s economy is under growing strain as its invasion of Ukraine drags on and Western sanctions are undermining President Vladimir Putin’s ability to sustain his war, a leading European economist said after briefing finance ministers on Tuesday.

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.

European Union ambassadors approved the 17th package of sanctions against Russia on Wednesday 14 May. Source: European Pravda, citing a diplomat from one of the key EU states familiar with the proceedings of the relevant meeting Details: The diplomat noted that the sanctions target Russia's shadow fleet in particular,