The European Union must focus on a new sanctions package to suffocate Russia's economy and force President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, France's foreign minister said.

The EU has given the greenlight to a fresh round of sanctions against Russia, sharpening its focus on the Kremlin’s 'shadow' oil fleet and foreign companies accused of aiding its war machine.

"We are waiting for (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's agreement and we agree that if there is no real progress this week, we want to work together at European level for a significant tightening of sanctions," Merz said at a news conference with his Greek counterpart.