The United States has sanctioned Russia’s two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, to pressure Moscow to negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine. The announcement came days after President Donald Trump canceled a planned summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing stalled progress in diplomatic talks.
Trump stated, “Every time I speak to Vladimir, I have good conversations and then they don’t go anywhere.” He described the sanctions package as “tremendous” and expressed hope that it could be lifted if Russia agrees to halt the war. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the measures targeted at the companies that fund the Kremlin’s “war machine.”
Russia responded with swift condemnation. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, posted on social media, “The USA is our adversary, and their loquacious ‘peacemaker’ has now fully taken up the path of war with Russia.” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova added, “We view this step as purely counterproductive. Our country has developed a strong immunity to Western restrictions and will continue to steadily strengthen its economic and energy potential.”
Kyiv and Western allies welcomed the sanctions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called them a “good signal,” suggesting that further pressure could make a ceasefire possible. European Union leaders echoed the support, highlighting coordinated efforts to restrict Russian energy exports, including a planned ban on liquefied natural gas imports by 2028. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also praised the measures for increasing pressure on Moscow.
Rosneft and Lukoil account for roughly 3.1 million barrels of oil per day, with key buyers including China, India, and Turkey. Trump urged these nations to halt purchases, and reports indicate India may reduce its imports in response, while China opposes the sanctions. The broader context includes ongoing attacks in Ukraine, recent strikes on energy infrastructure, and previous sanctions targeting Russian energy firms under the UK and EU.
