The 27-nation bloc has imposed several rounds of sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine and said earlier this year that it would not lift them before the "unconditional" withdrawal of Russian troops from the neighboring country.

"We Europeans will support this US initiative with a 17th package of sanctions, and yesterday I committed to (US Senator) Lindsey Graham that we will try to coordinate both the content and timing of these two packages of sanctions," Barótt said.

US President Donald Trump is trying to mediate an end to the fighting between Russia and Ukraine, and a bipartisan group of senators led by Graham and Democrat Richard Blumenthal proposed a bill last month that would impose sanctions on countries friendly to Moscow if they hinder efforts to end the war.

Barótt directed his criticism at the Russian president during the interview, adding: "It is now crystal clear that the only obstacle to peace in Ukraine today is Vladimir Putin."

Moscow's forces launched a massive invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 in an attempt to establish control, which Kyiv thwarted with international support, mainly from the US and European countries.

Barótt also said he welcomed the "unfiltered exchange" with his US counterpart Marco Rubio.

"We had a frank conversation that allowed us to coordinate our actions, but also to acknowledge the convergence of our goals regarding regional and international crises, as we want to act in concert," the French minister added.

Barótt and Rubio met on May 1 "to advance the path toward peace in Ukraine," State Department spokeswoman Tami Bruce said.

"The minister made clear that President Trump is determined to stop the senseless bloodshed in Ukraine and reaffirmed the United States' commitment to work closely with France and other European partners to secure a lasting peace," she added. | BGNES