What's happened
The US and EU are intensifying efforts to pressure Russia through new sanctions amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine. US President Trump signals readiness for a second phase of sanctions, while the EU prepares its 19th package, targeting countries aiding Moscow's evasion. Tensions rise after Russia's largest air attack since 2022.
What's behind the headline?
Escalating Sanctions and Geopolitical Tensions
The coordinated push by the US and EU indicates a strategic effort to intensify economic pressure on Russia. The US's consideration of a second phase of sanctions, including targeting Russian oil buyers, aims to further cripple Moscow's revenue streams. The EU's upcoming sanctions package, which may include measures against countries like India and China, highlights the complex balancing act between economic pressure and diplomatic relations.
The recent Russian air strikes, described as the largest since 2022, serve as a stark reminder that Moscow is willing to escalate military actions despite economic sanctions. US officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, emphasize that additional sanctions could push Russia toward economic collapse, potentially forcing Moscow to negotiate.
However, the risk remains that such measures could deepen global economic disruptions, especially if key countries like India and China are targeted for aiding Russia. The US's threats to penalize countries purchasing Russian oil reflect a broader strategy to cut off Moscow's revenue, but also risk diplomatic fallout.
The timing suggests a critical juncture: Western powers are trying to leverage economic sanctions to bring Russia to the negotiating table, but Moscow's military resilience and the geopolitical interests of countries like India complicate this effort. The next few weeks will be pivotal in determining whether sanctions can effectively alter Moscow's calculus or if military escalation will continue to dominate the conflict landscape.
What the papers say
The Moscow Times reports that the EU is preparing its 19th sanctions package against Russia, focusing on countries helping Moscow evade restrictions, with recent measures targeting Chinese banks and Indian oil refineries. The Guardian highlights President Trump's signals of readiness for a second phase of sanctions, though without specifics, amid ongoing tensions. Al Jazeera emphasizes the US Treasury's warnings that additional sanctions could push Russia into economic collapse, especially after Russia's largest air assault since 2022, which Kyiv attributes to Moscow's escalation. The contrasting tone between the US's cautious approach and Russia's military actions underscores the complexity of the current geopolitical standoff, with some analysts questioning whether sanctions alone will suffice to change Moscow's behavior or if military escalation will persist.
How we got here
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Western nations have imposed multiple sanctions to weaken Moscow's economy. The US has targeted Russian oil and financial sectors, while the EU has also sought to tighten restrictions. Russia's military actions, including recent large-scale air strikes, have escalated tensions and prompted calls for increased sanctions.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Why Are the US and EU Imposing New Sanctions on Russia Now?
The US and EU are ramping up sanctions against Russia amid ongoing tensions and recent military actions. But what’s driving these new measures, and what could they mean for the conflict in Ukraine? Below, we explore the reasons behind the sanctions, Russia’s response, and what the future might hold.
-
How Are Global Politics Shaping the News Today?
Current international events are heavily influenced by ongoing conflicts, sanctions, and diplomatic responses. From tensions between major powers to legal proceedings against political figures, these stories shape public opinion and impact global stability. Below, explore the key questions about today's geopolitical landscape and understand how world events are unfolding.
More on these topics
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
Scott K. H. Bessent is an American hedge fund manager. He is the founder of Key Square Group, a global macro investment firm, and worked as a financier for George Soros.
Bessent has been a major fundraiser and donor for Donald Trump. He was an economic ad
-
Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician, actor and comedian who is the 6th and current president of Ukraine, serving since May 2019.
-
Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.