US Sanctions Russia's Oil Giants Increasing Pressure Amid Ukraine Conflict

President Donald Trump has escalated pressure on Russia by imposing new sanctions on its two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, aiming to weaken the Kremlin's war machine amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Despite Putin's dismissal of the sanctions' impact, Trump remains optimistic about their effectiveness and has warned of reassessing their consequences in six months. The sanctions, part of a broader strategy to force Russia to the negotiating table, have caused a spike in oil prices, which poses a challenge for Trump in balancing economic concerns with geopolitical objectives. Kremlin officials and allies have criticized the sanctions and Trump's approach, warning that such measures will not impact Russia's economy but may increase fuel prices in the U.S. Analysts note that Trump's move is a significant shift from previous policies, signaling a firmer stance against Moscow following stalled peace talks. The situation reflects a complex interplay of diplomatic efforts, economic sanctions, and geopolitical strategy as the U.S. seeks to influence Russia's actions in the Ukraine conflict.