The EU and Japan opposed the US proposal to ban the Group of Seven (G7) countries from all exports to Russia as part of negotiations on the eve of the summit of the leaders of the states.
This was reported by the Financial Times.
A statement by G7 leaders is being prepared ahead of next month's meeting in Hiroshima, which includes a pledge to replace the current regime of sectoral sanctions against Russia with a blanket ban on exports, with a few exceptions. This is evidenced by the documents with which the Financial Times got acquainted.
A total export ban would include exemptions for agricultural, medical and other products.
According to the two officials, the proposal was made by the United States amid frustration with the current sanctions system, which is riddled with loopholes that allow Russia to continue importing Western technology.
But representatives of Japan and EU countries at the preparatory meeting last week suggested that such a step would not be implemented.
"In our opinion, this is simply impossible," said one of the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The EU agreed to a 10-pack of sanctions against Russia from February 2022, but only after weeks of wrangling among member states. Some have secured exemptions and exemptions for their industries by threatening to veto the restrictions.
Replacing the current sanctions regime with a blanket ban on exports, with exceptions, could reignite heated debate and potentially weaken current measures, officials said.
The White House's National Security Council declined to comment on talks with partners about the G7, but said the U.S. "will continue to look for ways to hold Russia accountable."
The fight against sanctions evasion and circumvention by third countries is the main goal of the US, the UK, the EU and other allies, who are increasing the pressure on states such as Turkey, the UAE and the countries of Central Asia, which have increased the volume of trade with Russia after the introduction of Western sanctions.
G7 leaders will gather in Hiroshima on May 19 for a three-day summit that will focus on the consequences of Russia's war against Ukraine, economic security, green investment and the Indo-Pacific region.