Trump Delays New Russia Sanctions Amid EU Pressure, Ukraine Conflict

President Donald Trump has postponed the imposition of new sanctions against Russia, expressing hope for a potential peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine. Speaking at the G7 summit, Trump emphasized that sanctions come with significant financial costs to the United States and urged European allies to act first on increasing pressure against Russia. Meanwhile, the European Union has introduced its 18th sanctions package targeting Russia's energy and banking sectors, including lowering the oil price cap from $60 to $45 per barrel and banning transactions related to Nord Stream pipelines. European leaders continue to push for coordinated sanctions despite Trump's hesitation, and some G7 countries are prepared to cut the Russian oil price cap even if the U.S. does not participate. Trump’s position highlights a strategic pause prioritizing diplomatic negotiations with Moscow, while the EU extends sanctions and intensifies economic measures against Russia to curb its war efforts. This divergence underscores differing approaches within the G7 regarding how best to respond to Russian aggression.