Sanctions on Russia: Trump's decision in the balance
American officials have prepared a new package of sanctions against Russia, targeting the energy and banking sectors, in an effort to persuade it to end the war in Ukraine, Reuters has reported. However, it remains uncertain whether Trump will approve these new restrictions.
According to Reuters, the potential sanctions could target the Russian giant Gazprom along with major entities in the natural resources and banking sectors. The source cited did not provide further details. The aim of imposing these sanctions would be to encourage Russia to make concessions and accept the American proposal for a ceasefire.
However, the agency's sources noted that it is unclear whether President Trump will agree to impose these restrictions. In recent weeks, the US president has repeatedly threatened Russia with sanctions, particularly on the energy and banking sectors, but has not yet implemented them.
Despite expressing frustration, Trump has so far maintained that Vladimir Putin desires peace. He also claimed that Putin refrained from occupying all of Ukraine due to the respect he has for him. Nonetheless, there are increasingly evident signs of impatience from administration officials over the lack of progress in the talks. Vice President J.D. Vance mentioned in an interview with Fox News on Thursday that the war will not end soon.
The White House has neither denied nor confirmed Reuters' reports.
The USA and sanctions on Russia
— From the beginning, the president has been clear about his commitment to achieving a full and comprehensive ceasefire, — said National Security Council spokesman James Hewitt. — We do not comment on the details of ongoing negotiations, — he added.
The USA, even during Joe Biden's administration, imposed sanctions on over a hundred Russian banks and financial entities, and in the final days of his term, also on the energy sector, including Gazprom Neft. However, these restrictions did not cover all firms within that sector.
For months, the majority of politicians from both parties in Congress have advocated for the imposition of new restrictions to force Russia to negotiate in good faith. The Senate's project of "crushing" sanctions by Republican senator Lindsey Graham has already been supported by over 60 out of 100 senators. Nevertheless, it has not yet been put to a vote.
