US, EU Impose Sanctions on Rosneft, Lukoil Amid Ukraine Conflict

President Donald Trump has renewed U.S. sanctions against Russia's two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, marking a significant but limited step in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. While these sanctions aim to pressure Moscow towards a ceasefire, experts and observers suggest they will likely have a modest impact on Russia's economy and are unlikely to change President Vladimir Putin's strategic plans, which remain focused on continuing the war. The sanctions come amid broader European efforts to tap into frozen Russian assets, but enforcement challenges and Russia's ability to circumvent sanctions, including continued oil sales to countries like India and China, diminish their potential effectiveness. Analysts also note that without a more open Western position in negotiations, these sanctions may inadvertently lead to a peace deal more favorable to Russia than the West would prefer. Meanwhile, political complexities, including stalled diplomatic talks and geopolitical maneuvers involving BRICS nations, further complicate prospects for peace. Overall, the sanctions reflect ongoing Western attempts to increase pressure on Russia, but their ultimate effect on ending the conflict remains uncertain.