The administration of President Donald Trump announced a series of renewed and extensive sanctions targeting Russia’s oil sector on Wednesday, aiming to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into negotiations to end the prolonged war in Ukraine.
These sanctions, against major oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil, follow persistent calls from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and bipartisan demands for tougher measures on Russia’s crucial oil operations, which have funded the ongoing conflict even as Russia faces significant international isolation.
In a statement following the announcement, Trump expressed hope for a change in Putin’s stance, saying, “Hopefully he’ll become reasonable,” and extended a similar sentiment towards Zelenskyy, adding, “You know, it takes two to tango, as they say.”
The sanctions were unveiled as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Washington for discussions with Trump. NATO has been actively organizing military support for Ukraine, with member nations sourcing weapons, many from the U.S.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that these sanctions are a direct reaction to Moscow’s continued aggression and represent an effort to cut off resources fueling the Kremlin’s military initiatives.
Bessent noted the U.S. Treasury Department is ready to impose further measures if needed, encouraging other allied nations to support these sanctions.
This announcement came in the wake of a severe attack by Russian forces involving drones and missiles across various Ukrainian cities, resulting in the deaths of at least six individuals, including a mother and her two daughters, and injuring many more.
The assault targeted at least eight locations, with Kyiv being notably affected, as confirmed by local authorities who reported multiple casualties, including several children.
In light of these attacks, Rutte highlighted the importance of the military assistance provided by the U.S., stressing the necessity of robust air defense systems to mitigate such threats.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy spoke of the shock experienced by many children in the aftermath of the attacks and emphasized the need for strong international sanctions and military support to bring Russia to the negotiating table.
Despite Trump’s ongoing efforts to mediate peace since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine over three years ago, progress has been stalled, with Putin remaining steadfast in his demands.
On the eve of the sanctions announcement, Trump indicated that a potential meeting with Putin was on hold as he sought to avoid a “waste of time” in negotiations.
European leaders have criticized Putin for his perceived reluctance to engage meaningfully in peace talks.
Amidst these tensions, Putin conducted drills of Russia’s strategic nuclear forces, a move that some analysts interpret as a show of force.
Zelenskyy continued to urge the international community, including the EU and Group of Seven (G7) nations, to exert pressure on Russia through sustained sanctions and military support.
Leaders from various nations are poised to discuss additional economic sanctions against Russia during an EU summit scheduled for Thursday in Brussels and a gathering of the Coalition of the Willing set to take place on Friday in London.
Zelenskyy acknowledged that Trump’s suggestions about supplying Tomahawk missiles could have influenced Putin’s willingness to participate in talks, although Trump later expressed caution about utilizing U.S. stocks of these missiles.
As military engagements take place, Russian forces have failed to make significant progress on the battlefield, which analysts attribute to heavy casualties among Russian infantry battalions.
Both Ukraine and Russia have increasingly focused on developing long-range strike capabilities to target significant infrastructure behind enemy lines.
On the Ukrainian front, the general staff reported successful strikes on a chemical plant located in Russia’s Bryansk region, indicating that British-made Storm Shadow missiles were used.
This facility is integral to the Russian military-industrial complex, responsible for producing essential materials like gunpowder and missile fuel.
Officials in the Bryansk region confirmed an attack but did not specify the plant’s involvement.
Additionally, Ukraine has claimed to have targeted other military sites within Russia, including manufacturing facilities for ammunition components.
In response to these cross-border strikes, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that its air defenses intercepted several Ukrainian drones, with some regions, including around St. Petersburg, experiencing temporary flight suspensions at local airports.
As diplomatic efforts evolve, Zelenskyy was in Oslo and later traveled to Stockholm, where he and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson signed an agreement that could enable Ukraine to purchase up to 150 Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets over the coming decade.
Previously, Ukraine has secured military support from the U.S., including F-16s and French Mirages.
Looking forward, President Trump is expected to engage in discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their upcoming meeting in South Korea, coinciding with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit.
While Beijing has not officially supported Moscow in its conflict with Ukraine, it has reportedly increased its technological exports to Russia, aiding their military capabilities, according to U.S. intelligence assessments.
Trump has theorized that halting oil purchases from Russia by NATO countries and imposing significant tariffs on China for its transactions regarding Russian oil could compel changes in the ongoing conflict.
Expressing confidence in Xi’s potential influence over Putin, Trump remarked, “I think he could have a big influence on Putin.”
image source from：npr
