US Prepares Russia Sanctions Over Ukraine; Trump’s Approval Uncertain
New US Sanctions Against Russia Target Energy and Banking Sectors Amid Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine
In a move to intensify pressure on Russia, US officials have announced a new package of economic sanctions primarily impacting the banking and energy sectors. This action aims to encourage compliance with US President Donald Trump’s efforts to negotiate an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Key targets include Gazprom, the state-owned energy giant, along with several major entities involved in Russia’s natural resources and banking industries. Although the details remain sparse, insiders indicate that the US National Security Council is working to coordinate these punitive measures, pending President Trump’s approval.
The potential for new sanctions arises amidst growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s reluctance to engage in peace talks despite Trump’s attempts at mediation. National Security Council spokesman James Hewitt emphasized the president’s commitment to achieving a comprehensive ceasefire but refrained from disclosing specifics about the sanctions package.
While the US Treasury typically handles the implementation of such sanctions, no official comments have been made regarding this latest round. If approved by Trump, these sanctions could mark a significant shift in his approach toward Moscow, especially following a recent US-Ukraine minerals deal he championed as part of his broader peace initiative.
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the US and its allies have imposed a series of sanctions designed to weaken Russia’s economy. However, Moscow has found various means to circumvent these restrictions, allowing it to continue funding its military operations.
Kurt Volker, a former US envoy to NATO, noted that Trump has made substantial overtures to Putin, seeking a ceasefire agreement that has been consistently rebuffed. He believes that the introduction of new sanctions represents a critical step in applying further pressure on Russia.
Despite these developments, the Kremlin has escalated its military operations, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterating demands for a maximalist settlement. In contrast, Trump has faced criticism for fostering collaborations perceived as beneficial to Moscow, including scaling back initiatives aimed at punishing Kremlin-affiliated oligarchs.
As tensions rise and diplomatic efforts continue, the outcome of the new sanctions remains uncertain. With pressures mounting, the situation in Ukraine remains volatile, and the world watches closely for any changes in the conflict’s trajectory.
