**EU to Take Control of Russia Sanctions**
Valdis Dombrovskis, a top EU official, said the bloc needs to take more control over its own security and sanctions policy. This includes preparing new penalties against Russia.
Dombrovskis made these comments in Brussels, where he met with journalists. He also mentioned that work is ongoing to prepare a 16th package of sanctions against Russia.
**US Involved in Sanctions Talks**
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the EU will eventually need to be involved in talks about lifting some sanctions on Russia. This comes as the US and Russia held direct negotiations in Saudi Arabia.
The two sides met face-to-face for the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The G7 group of nations also agreed that any new sanctions against Russia would depend on progress in peace talks with Ukraine.
**Previous Sanctions Package**
The EU approved its 15th package of sanctions against Russia and its allies just last month. This included penalties against 54 individuals, 30 organizations, and shipping companies helping to sell Russian oil.