US Weighs New Sanctions On Russia Over Ukraine War, Pressures Europe To Follow Suit

Last Updated:October 25, 2025, 22:35 IST

The initial sanctions targeted Russian oil giants Lukoil and Rosneft, triggering a spike in global oil prices.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump

The Donald Trump administration has drawn up a new set of sanctions targeting key sectors of Russia’s economy, ready to deploy if Vladimir Putin continues to delay ending Moscow’s war in Ukraine, Reuters reported, citing officials in the know.

What Is Washington Planning Next Against Moscow?

Officials said Washington has also privately backed European Union efforts to use frozen Russian assets to purchase US-made weapons for Ukraine, while internally discussing the possibility of leveraging Russian assets held in the US to support Kyiv’s war effort.

Although it remains unclear when or if the measures will be implemented, the preparations underline Washington’s readiness to intensify pressure on Moscow following the sanctions announced earlier- the first imposed by Donald Trump since returning to office in January.

The initial sanctions targeted Russian oil giants Lukoil and Rosneft, triggering a spike in global oil prices and prompting major Chinese and Indian buyers of Russian crude to seek alternatives.

What Could New Sanctions Target?

According to Reuters, the new sanctions under consideration could extend to Russia’s banking system and the infrastructure used to export oil. Ukrainian officials have reportedly pitched Washington on even tougher measures, including cutting off all Russian banks from the dollar-based system, though it remains unclear how seriously those proposals are being considered.

How Is The US Pressuring Europe?

Behind the scenes, Washington is urging Europe to act more aggressively. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has pushed the EU to adopt parallel measures, while the US Senate is working to revive a bipartisan sanctions bill that has languished for months.

At the same time, the administration has shifted control of targeting-data approval for Ukrainian strikes inside Russia from the Pentagon to the US European Command in Germany- a move seen as signaling a tougher line on Moscow.

The developments mark a turbulent week for US-Russia-Ukraine relations. After first announcing plans to meet Vladimir Putin in Budapest, Donald Trump abruptly cancelled, saying “it just didn’t feel right."

News world US Weighs New Sanctions On Russia Over Ukraine War, Pressures Europe To Follow Suit

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