Merkel Slams US for New Russia Sanctions

German Chancellor Angela Merkel shares concerns that proposed new US sanctions against Russia could hurt European companies, her spokesman says. He called the plans “peculiar”. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is worried that a US Senate proposal to impose sanctions on Russia over alleged meddling in the 2016 US election could have economic repercussions for the European Union’s economy, her spokesman said on Friday, DW reported. The US Senate on Wednesday approved new sanctions against Russia, including some affecting certain Russian energy projects in which EU partners are also involved. Seibert said it was “peculiar” that sanctions aimed at punishing Russia could also lead to penalties against European companies. “This must not happen,” he said. “We generally reject sanctions with extraterritorial effects, meaning an impact on third countries.” The draft bill approved on Wednesday would penalize key sectors of Russia’s economy, including mining, metals, shipping and railways. To become law, the bill must still be passed by the US House of Representatives and be signed by President Donald Trump.