The United States has announced new sanctions against Russia's two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, marking the first such measures since Donald Trump returned to office in January. The move signals a significant shift in Trump's approach to ending the war in Ukraine.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the sanctions were necessary due to 'Putin's refusal to end this senseless war' and that the targeted companies were funding the Kremlin's 'war machine'. He added that the US is prepared to take further action if needed.
President Trump has described the sanctions as 'tremendous', but experts are divided on their effectiveness. Many believe the impact will depend on how aggressively the US enforces the measures and whether they succeed in slowing Russia's war efforts or bringing Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table.
