Cranking up the Heat: New Economic Sanctions against Russia
The Pressure Cooker
United States Imposes Fresh Sanctions on Russia - Reported by Reuters
The United States is turning up the dial on Russia with fresh economic sanctions. The allegations, confirmed by Reuters' sources, suggest these measures will bite into the banking and energy sectors. An anonymous White House representative highlighted that "Gazprom" and resource-rich corporations, as well as the financial sector, are on the chopping block.
The Steering Wheel behind the Curtain
The US National Security Council is orchestrating this sanctions package, but there's a question mark over President Donald Trump's approval. The publication states that final confirmation is pending.
Last month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed that the States avoids thrusting on new Russian sanctions to keep talks on Ukraine alive. On April 24, Trump proclaimed that he'd rather hold off on the Q&A about easing anti-Russian sanctions - a week, he said, is more appropriate for a response.
A Shift in the political winds?
Previous reports hint at the Trump administration mulling over beefing up the anti-Russian sanctions, especially in the event that Trump deems Putin as having crossed his limit. Former State Department's Sanctions Policy coordinator (2013-2017), Daniel Fried, shed light on this possibility to The Wall Street Journal.
Washington, supplied by Natalia Petrova
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Deep Dive: New Economic Sanctions Against Russia
Back in Congress
The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025
- Congressional Proposal launched by US senators seeks to impose severe sanctions on Russia if it doesn't engage in peaceful negotiations. The act comprises a broad range of sanctions and trade barriers, plus a secondary tariff program targeting Russian oil and petroleum products[1][4].
The White House's Response
Executive Actions
- Trump Administration has been considering new sanctions aiming at Russia's banking and energy sectors, including state-owned entities like Gazprom. However, President Trump's final approval of these measures remains unclear[3].
Tariffs and Secondary Sanctions
Targeting Oil Buyers and Sellers
- A proposal is on the table for secondary sanctions and tariffs, which may affect the oil trade worldwide. These measures are designed to force Russia into complying with US-led ceasefire plans but face obstacles in actually reaching their target[2][4].
The Road Ahead
Will Trump Chuck the Plan?
- Despite the Trump administration's intention to intensify pressure on Russia, it's uncertain whether President Trump will approve the new sanctions package. Trump's stance on Russia fluctuates, driven by his displeasure over Putin's resistance to peace negotiations[3].
- Political Cache: The situation is complicated by interwoven interests and ongoing diplomatic squabbles. While the US Congress shows bipartisan backing for harder-hitting sanctions, Trump's approval is crucial for implementation[4].
- The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, a congressional proposal introduced by US senators, aims to impose severe sanctions on Russia if it fails to participate in peaceful negotiations.
- The Trump Administration has been contemplating new sanctions focused on Russia's banking and energy sectors, including state-owned entities like Gazprom, but President Trump's final approval of these measures remains uncertain.
- A proposal for secondary sanctions and tariffs is being considered, which may impact the global oil trade, with the aim of compelling Russia to comply with US-led ceasefire plans, but this faces obstacles in realistic implementation.
- Despite the intention to intensify pressure on Russia through new sanctions, it remains unclear whether President Trump will endorse the proposed sanctions package due to his fluctuating stance on Russia, influenced by his dissatisfaction with Putin's resistance to peace negotiations.
