Tough sanctions imposed on Russia since it launched a devastating invasion of Ukraine last month are "highly effective" and must be kept up, Italy's premier Mario Draghi and Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz agreed Thursday in phone talks.
During the talks, Draghi and Scholz also discussed "recent developments regarding gas imports from Russia," Draghi's office said in a statement after Russian president Vladimir Putin threatened to halt supplies to Europe unless countries pay for their gas in roubles.
"Draghi and Scholz agreed on the importance of maintaining sanctions against Russia, which are proving very effective," said the statement.
"The two leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining a united approach at European level," the statement concluded.
