Europe seeks to underpin Russia sanctions, fearing Trump overhaul | 25 Oct 2024 | European diplomats are preparing to underpin sanctions on Russia anticipating that a return of former U.S. president Donald Trump could undermine Western efforts to isolate Moscow, sources with knowledge of the discussions told Reuters. The talks among EU officials and envoys are centred on several initiatives to ensure that European sanctions would remain in place longer term, bolstering them through tighter enforcement, even if Washington changes tack. The possible steps include "catch-all" clauses to identify and stop suspect goods shipments destined for Russia and wider oil shipping curbs, the people said.