Wayne Lumbasi
President Donald Trump has unveiled a new round of sanctions on Russia after expressing frustration with what he described as unproductive talks with President Vladimir Putin. The announcement marks one of the strongest steps yet by Washington to pressure Moscow over its ongoing war in Ukraine.
The sanctions target Russia’s two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, along with several of their subsidiaries. The United States Treasury said the action will freeze all assets of the designated firms within American jurisdiction and bar any financial or commercial dealings with them.
According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the goal is to limit the Kremlin’s ability to raise money for its military operations and to force a shift in its war strategy.
Trump made the announcement after canceling a planned meeting with Putin, saying that discussions between the two leaders have repeatedly failed to produce progress. “Every time I speak with Vladimir, I have good conversations and then they don’t go anywhere,” he told reporters after meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Trump added that he still hopes for a peaceful resolution but emphasized that the sanctions are a necessary step to “get Russia to the table.”
The decision comes as Western allies intensify pressure on Moscow. The European Union recently introduced its nineteenth sanctions package, which includes a ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas and tighter controls on oil shipments.
Both the United States and Europe say these measures are part of a coordinated effort to weaken Russia’s financial power and end its aggression in Ukraine.
Experts believe the sanctions could hit Russia’s economy hard, especially its energy sector, which remains the main source of government revenue. However, some analysts warn that Moscow could retaliate economically or seek new markets to cushion the impact.
Trump said he hopes the restrictions will not last long and that they could be lifted if Russia takes genuine steps toward peace. “We want to see progress, not promises,” he said, stressing that the door remains open for talks if Putin shows real commitment to ending the conflict.
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