EU chief says she and Trump discussed increasing economic pressure on Russia

President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shake hands after reaching a trade deal at the Trump Turnberry golf course in Turnberry, Scotland on July 27, 2025. JACQUELYN MARTIN / AP

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday, September 16, said she and US President Donald Trump discussed additional steps to tighten the screws on Russia over the Ukraine war.

"I had a good call with [Trump] on strengthening our joint efforts to increase economic pressure on Russia through additional measures," she posted on X. Von der Leyen said the EU executive would soon present its proposals for a 19th package of EU sanctions on Russia since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. It will include measures targeting crypto, banks and energy, she said.

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EU chief says she and Trump discussed increasing economic pressure on Russia

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