US Sanctions Rosneft, Lukoil After Talks Collapsed

President Trump announced sanctions on Russia's two largest oil firms, Rosneft and Lukoil, aiming to pressure Moscow to negotiate over Ukraine after a planned summit with Vladimir Putin collapsed and talks stalled. The move drew guarded approval from some Ukrainian officials and Western analysts but also skepticism that sanctions alone will produce a quick peace. Russia denounced the measures as “entirely counterproductive,” said it has developed a “strong immunity” to Western restrictions, and warned the step could undermine diplomatic efforts. China opposed the U.S. action as unilateral, criticized related EU measures that targeted Chinese firms, and urged dialogue. The sanctions were announced as Russia continued strikes on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure, underscoring ongoing human and strategic costs that complicate negotiations.