The Trumpa dministration is reportedly preparing a new wave of sanctions targeting key sectors of Russia’s economy, signaling Washington’s readiness to intensify pressure on President Vladimir Putin, a US official told Reuters.
The potential measures, focused on Russia’s banking and oil infrastructure, come just days after President Trump imposed sanctions on major energy firms Lukoil and Rosneft, which sent global oil prices soaring by more than $2.
Possible escalation of economic pressure
While it remains uncertain whether the sanctions will be implemented immediately, officials say the administration has a “well-developed toolkit” for further escalation.
One senior official noted that the US would prefer European allies to take the next significant step, possibly through tariffs or new sanctions, as Washington monitors Moscow’s reaction.
Backdrop of the ongoing conflict
The move comes amid the Trump administration’s continued efforts to end the Ukraine war, now in its fourth year.
US and European officials have discussed using frozen Russian assets to finance Kyiv’s defense and purchase US-made weapons.
Ukrainian representatives have also urged Washington to consider harsher measures, including cutting Russian banks off from the US dollar-based financial system, as global efforts to isolate Moscow continue.
