Together the United States and the United Kingdom have increased the economic pressure on Russia. In response to this provocation, the U.S. tightened their sanctions, moving to isolate the country’s largest energy companies. This action is intended to push Moscow to the table for peace talks concerning its ongoing military aggression against Ukraine. Earlier this year, the US and UK slapped sanctions on some of the largest enterprises in Russia’s energy industry, including Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas. Now, they are escalating with new sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil to go even further.
Of course, the UK has been right to take strong action, last week announcing a new sanctions package against Rosneft and Lukoil. This announcement was only a week before the U.S. Department of Treasury announced its own sanctions against the same companies. Together, Rosneft and Lukoil export about 3.1 million barrels of oil per day. Despite their importance to furthering Russia’s energy oligarchy, the sanctions are designed to pressure the Kremlin to reconsider its military strategy in Ukraine and seek a peaceful resolution.
Lawmakers from both parties across the aisle have been pushing members of the US Congress to impose increased sanctions on Moscow. They are in suspense hoping to see the White House issue authorization to vote on an important bill. This targeted legislative proposal would hold Russian entities accountable, with stiff penalties on countries that keep buying oil from the Kremlin. This important legislative initiative syncs up with widespread efforts to back up President Trump’s promise to help him put an end to the fighting in Ukraine.
The context for these sanctions is one of deepening violence inside Ukraine. On Wednesday, massive Russian drone and missile attacks coordinated across the frontlines launched. Tragically, at least seven people died — among them two children. These attacks followed President Trump’s announcement that he would not pursue a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, citing concerns over the lack of progress in peace talks. As Trump said last week, “Just let it be cut the way it is,” a reflection of how annoyed he is by the state of the negotiations.
While European leaders have called for a ceasefire on the frontlines, Russia’s responded with inflexibility. Separately, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stressed that Russia’s position has not changed. He doggedly repeated Russia’s impossible requirement that Ukrainian forces pull back from the embattled Donbas region in eastern Ukraine.
As the war in Ukraine continues to simmer, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been making an increasingly vocal and desperate plea for advanced military support. He has directly asked for long-range US Tomahawk missiles to strengthen his forces. This request underscores the urgency of the crisis. The Ukrainian government is absolutely committed to building out its defensive capabilities to counter these ongoing attacks.
Ahead of the meeting, a video conference between the US Secretary of State and Russian Foreign Minister was planned, in the same spirit of confidence-building and reconciliation of differences. After their fruitful phone conversation, they collectively chose to cancel it. This welcome development signals the power of continued diplomatic engagement, despite the military conflict on the ground continuing to provoke tensions.
Scott Bessent, an advocate for peace in the region, emphasized the need for immediate action: “Now is the time to stop the killing and for an immediate ceasefire.” His comments showcase an increasing alarm from global watchdogs. They are calling for an immediate end to the violence that has ravaged Ukraine.