Finland intends to collaborate with the U.S. in drafting the 19th set of sanctions, aiming to escalate pressure on Russia through the imposition of tariffs.

The Finnish Foreign Minister, Elina Valtonen, has urged the European Union (EU) and the United States to work together on the preparation of a new sanctions package against Russia. Valtonen made this statement before an informal meeting of the EU foreign ministers in Copenhagen on 30 August.

Valtonen emphasised the importance of close coordination with the US in the preparation of the sanctions package. Finland believes that the EU and the US should join forces to put additional pressure on Russia.

The EU is considering adopting a tool called secondary sanctions, which were adopted in 2023 but not yet used. These sanctions are designed to prevent third countries from helping Russia circumvent existing restrictions. The EU is also considering a tariff scheme proposed by Finland, which would apply across all product groups.

However, no further details were provided about the nature or specifics of the sanctions being considered or the tariff scheme being proposed by Finland. No timeline was given for when the sanctions package might be finalized or implemented.

Valtonen stated that the EU and the US "need to add to the pressure we have put on Russia already". No information was provided about any potential objections or opposition to the tariff scheme or the secondary sanctions from either the EU or third countries.

No details were given about any potential impact of the tariff scheme or secondary sanctions on Russia's economy. The European Commission is preparing the 19th EU sanctions package against Russia, but no specific national leader from the EU has been named in the sources provided.

The location of Valtonen's statement was not specified, but it was made in relation to the informal meeting of the EU foreign ministers in Copenhagen. No information was provided about any potential objections or opposition to this coordination from either the EU or the United States.

Finland intends to collaborate with the U.S. in drafting the 19th set of sanctions, aiming to escalate pressure on Russia through the imposition of tariffs.