EU warns US it could swiftly counter new sanctions on Russia

Brussels

THE European Union (EU) warned on Wednesday that it was ready to act within days to counter proposed new US sanctions on Russia, saying they would harm the bloc's energy security.

Sanctions legislation overwhelmingly approved by the US House of Representatives on Tuesday has angered EU officials for breaking transatlantic unity in the West's response to Moscow's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Brussels also fears the new sanctions will harm European firms and oil and gas pro…