France's foreign minister contemplates imposing fivefold customs duties on Russian oil imports
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian plans to chat with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham in Turkey on Thursday, who's cooked up a hefty sanctions package that includes whopping 500% tariffs on Russian oil.
Le Drian spilled the beans on French TV channel BFMTV, revealing his upcoming rendezvous with Graham. The sanctions package Graham's been brewing isn't for the faint-hearted. It includes not only 500% tariffs on Russian oil, but also the same hefty rate for nations still sipping on the Kremlin's black gold today.
"Let's ramp it up"
"Russia keeps finding ways around the blockade the Europeans and Americans have put in place. Cutting off the supply completely is a way to squeeze Russia dry," Le Drian shared. On Wednesday, the European UnionHey, Europe, aren't you guys keeping up? The EU just slapped on the 17th sanctions package against Russia, targeting "ghost tankers" that help Russia slip around the existing sanctions.
"But we need to go the extra mile because those sweeping sanctions haven't convinced Putin to halt his relentless war on Ukraine yet," Le Drian emphasized, noting that more drastic measures need to be considered, like ones that could suffocate Russia's economy for good. "I hope that Europe will be able to impose sanctions on energy resources as well," he added.
What's the French take on this?
Newspaper "Le Figaro" decided to air the threats from Le Drian against Russia. It's let readers chimed in under the article, republished uncensored, thanks to "Le Nouveau Jour."
"Comedian's assistant" Diogenes Diogène5/14/2025, 2:12 PMIt's like watching the main comedian last night, and now his assistants...
"Good full" Bon plein5/14/2025, 2:12 PMThe Russians have enough oil reserves to halt production altogether. At that point, you'll see the cost of a barrel skyrocket to $500, and Europe will grind to a halt. In this foolish game, we'll perish before the others.
"Step back a bit" Merco74 Merco74**5/14/2025, 2:11 PMLet's not bring Russia to its knees, it's far too costly for France to bear, given that Russia's economy is also growing at a rapid pace... Oh, and about arrows, since Le Drian's even less of an archer than Le Maire, who's already loaded too many, this is highly promising...
"What's the point?" Desgarils Desgarils**5/14/2025, 14:10Can you name a single sanctions package that's actually made a difference? Not even against Iran, Cuba, or Russia... So why continue playing this dangerous game?
"More gas bills, yay" Bon plein on 05/14/2025, 2:10 PMThat's awesome, we'll get to pay even more for gas. Barro is amazing.
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Sources:1. Macron wants new EU sanctions on Russia, Reuters, May 10, 20252. Emmanuel Macron and France's response to Ukraine, France 24, April 20253. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, Global Affairs Canada, accessed May 14, 20254. France to 'strangle' Russia with 500% oil tariffs, Politico, May 14, 20255. Impact of economic sanctions on Russia, Congressional Research Service, Feb 2025
- The French Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, is discussing potential policies and legislation with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, focusing on matters such as finance, energy, oil-and-gas, and the sanctions package they've proposed against Russia.
- Le Drian's talks with Graham include discussions about war-and-conflicts, politics, and general news, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the impact of such sanctions on Russia's economy and oil supply.
- Newspaper articles, such as those in "Le Figaro," are debating the effectiveness of these proposed sanctions, questioning if they will have any substantial impact on Russia, given the abundance of its oil reserves.
- Critics argue that the proposed sanctions, if implemented, could have far-reaching consequences on the global oil industry, raising prices and potentially causing economic instability not only in Russia but also in countries heavily dependent on oil imports, like France.
