US readies Russia sanctions over Ukraine, unclear if Trump will sign, sources say

The United States has finalized new economic sanctions against Russia, targeting entities such as state-owned Russian energy giant Gazprom and major players in the natural resources and banking sectors. The goal of these sanctions is to increase pressure on Moscow to support President Donald Trump’s efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine, according to sources familiar with the issue.

While the details of the sanctions have not been disclosed, it remains uncertain whether Trump will approve the package. The National Security Council is working to coordinate more punitive actions against Russia, but ultimately, the decision lies with the president.

The approval of these new sanctions could signal a shift in Trump’s stance towards the Kremlin, especially following the signing of a minerals deal with Ukraine that he championed as part of his peace initiative. Despite Trump’s previous efforts to establish a ceasefire, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s refusal to engage in peace talks has led to escalating tensions.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the U.S. and its allies have imposed multiple rounds of sanctions on Russia. However, Moscow has managed to evade some of the consequences and continue funding its military operations in Ukraine.

Former U.S. envoy Kurt Volker believes that these new sanctions are necessary to pressure Russia into accepting a ceasefire. Despite Trump’s attempts to engage with Putin and promote peace, the Russian leader has persisted in his aggressive actions in Ukraine.

Recent developments, including Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and his consideration of additional sanctions on Russia, indicate a potential shift in U.S. policy towards Moscow. The imposition of secondary sanctions on countries that trade with Russia could have significant economic implications for Moscow.

Overall, the U.S. is taking a firm stance against Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, and the implementation of new sanctions could be a crucial step in bringing about a resolution to the conflict. It remains to be seen how these measures will impact Russia’s behavior and whether they will lead to a lasting ceasefire and peace agreement in the region.