The US is preparing a new large-scale sanctions package aimed at the energy sector of the Russian Federation. These restrictions may be announced in the coming days and are intended to increase economic pressure on the Kremlin if Vladimir Putin does not agree to a peace deal with Ukraine.
This is reported by Finway
Details of the New Sanctions and Their Objectives
According to sources involved in the discussions, the American administration is considering imposing sanctions against tankers belonging to the so-called shadow fleet that transport Russian oil. Traders facilitating these operations are also at risk. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has already discussed these initiatives with several European diplomats. The final decision on the introduction of new restrictions will be made by US President Donald Trump.
“The sanctions already imposed against Russia have not yet changed Putin’s calculations. However, measures aimed at Moscow’s oil giants and trade have led to a drop in oil prices to their lowest levels, significantly complicating the situation in the Russian economy.”
It is noted that previously, the US and the G7 countries had already imposed sanctions against four leading Russian oil companies and hundreds of tankers involved in transporting Russian oil. Despite this, the new package of measures aims to further limit Russia’s income from energy resource exports.
Context: Negotiations on a Peace Agreement and Frozen Assets
The discussion of new sanctions is taking place alongside negotiations on a possible peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. Despite positive developments, contentious issues remain regarding the status of Donbas, the use of frozen Russian assets, and the management of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
American officials are considering the possibility of using frozen Russian assets within the framework of a future peace agreement. Meanwhile, European leaders are expected to determine this week whether to direct these funds to assist Ukraine. At the same time, the White House insists on maintaining control over these finances, seeking to manage them independently and determine their use, limiting the influence of official Kyiv.
It is expected that tomorrow the leaders of the European Union will make a final decision regarding the fate of the frozen Russian assets, a matter that has been at the center of international discussions for over two months.