US Plans Additional Sanctions on Russia Amid Ukraine Conflict

The Trump administration is preparing to impose additional significant sanctions on Russia, focusing on key sectors such as the energy industry, including major oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that these measures would be among the largest sanctions imposed on Russia, signaling a substantial escalation in U.S. pressure due to Moscow's refusal to commit seriously to peace efforts in Ukraine. The U.S. is coordinating with European allies, encouraging them to take stronger actions and considering the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's military. Additionally, the Trump administration has lifted restrictions on Ukraine's use of Western long-range missiles, enhancing Kyiv's capability to strike deeper into Russian territory. Despite some internal deliberations and the timing of the announcement, the move aligns with broader international sanctions efforts, including the EU's recent sanctions package. However, President Trump has denied reports about U.S. involvement in Ukraine's missile strikes deep into Russia, calling such news "fake."