U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping new sanctions against Russia’s two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, in an effort to pressure Moscow to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. The move follows a breakdown in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and comes amid renewed Russian airstrikes that killed several civilians, including children.
Trump Frustrated by Putin’s Inaction
Speaking at the White House alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump expressed disappointment that his discussions with Putin have failed to yield results.
“Every time I speak to Vladimir, I have good conversations and then they don’t go anywhere,” Trump said, describing his efforts to negotiate an end to the war.
Trump also confirmed that a planned meeting with Putin in Budapest has been postponed indefinitely, signaling a new low point in U.S.–Russia diplomatic engagement.
Sanctions Target Russia’s Energy Backbone
The sanctions, announced by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, aim to cut off financial lifelines fueling Moscow’s war operations.
“Putin’s refusal to end this senseless war leaves us no choice,” Bessent said. “These oil companies fund the Kremlin’s war machine.”
Rosneft and Lukoil together export roughly 3.1 million barrels of oil daily. Rosneft alone accounts for nearly half of Russia’s oil production—around 6 percent of global output—according to British government estimates.
Trump called the sanctions “tremendous,” expressing hope that they could be lifted swiftly if Russia agrees to halt its offensive. “We waited a long time. I just felt it was time,” he said.
International Reaction: UK and EU Back U.S. Move
Rutte praised Washington’s action, saying it increases pressure on the Kremlin. “You have to put pressure, and that is just what he did today,” he told reporters.
The sanctions came shortly after the United Kingdom announced a parallel package targeting Rosneft and Lukoil. UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves said there is “no place for Russian oil on global markets.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also endorsed the U.S. sanctions, saying she spoke with Bessent about “Russia’s lack of commitment to the peace process.”
“With the imminent adoption of the EU’s 19th package, this is a clear signal from both sides of the Atlantic that we will keep up collective pressure on the aggressor,” she wrote on X.
The EU’s new sanctions also include a ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas, part of its ongoing effort to reduce the bloc’s dependency on Russian energy.
Moscow Condemns the Measures
Russia’s embassy in London denounced the sanctions as destabilizing, warning they would drive up energy prices and threaten fuel supplies in developing nations.
“These actions will have a detrimental impact on global energy security,” the embassy said, adding that “pressure only complicates peaceful dialogue and leads to further escalation.”
Moscow maintains that the sanctions will harm Western consumers more than Russia, insisting that global oil markets will eventually adjust.
Renewed Strikes Deepen Humanitarian Toll
Hours after the White House shelved Trump’s meeting with Putin, Russia launched a new wave of missile attacks across Ukraine. At least seven people were killed, including children, according to Ukrainian authorities.
The strikes further strained efforts to resume negotiations. Trump, while condemning the attacks, said the U.S. remains open to dialogue if Moscow shows “genuine interest in peace.”
Differences Over Frontline Freeze and Ceasefire Terms
Trump has repeatedly urged a halt to hostilities along existing battle lines as a first step toward peace. “Let it be cut the way it is,” he said earlier this week. “Cut and stop at the battle line. Go home. Stop fighting, stop killing people.”
However, Russia has rejected this proposal. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated that Moscow’s stance remains unchanged, demanding that Ukrainian troops withdraw from the Donbas region before any ceasefire discussions can proceed.
NATO and Ukraine’s 12-Point Proposal
During his visit, Rutte discussed a 12-point plan developed by European NATO allies and Kyiv. The proposal calls for freezing the current front lines, returning deported children, a prisoner exchange, and the creation of a war recovery fund for Ukraine. It also includes provisions for Ukraine’s EU membership path, increased military aid, and sustained economic pressure on Moscow.
Trump praised the plan’s humanitarian elements but said progress depends entirely on Moscow’s willingness to engage.
Diplomatic Channels Narrow as Key Talks Cancelled
A preparatory meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was also shelved. The White House said the session was no longer “necessary” following a “productive” phone call earlier this week.
The cancellation adds to signs of mounting frustration in Washington over Moscow’s unwillingness to compromise.
Long-Range Weapons Dispute Sparks Tension
Trump also pushed back against a Wall Street Journal report suggesting Washington had authorized Ukrainian long-range missile strikes into Russian territory, calling it “fake news.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the U.S. to supply long-range Tomahawk missiles, arguing that their potential deployment could pressure Moscow into serious negotiations.
Washington has not confirmed any plans to deliver such weapons but continues to supply Ukraine with advanced defense systems and intelligence support.
Allied Unity Despite Stalemate
Despite the lack of breakthrough, Western leaders remain aligned in their approach. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called the U.S. sanctions “strongly welcome,” while European allies say transatlantic unity is key to sustaining pressure.
Trump’s administration continues to describe its strategy as a “measured balance” between economic coercion and diplomatic engagement.
For now, both Washington and Moscow remain entrenched in their positions — with sanctions tightening, talks frozen, and peace still out of reach.
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