US Slaps Russia with Major Sanctions as Ukraine Talks Stall

The United States has announced a significant new sanctions package against Russia. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the measures on Wednesday. He stated President Trump felt Vladimir Putin was not negotiating honestly.

This decision follows the cancellation of a planned Trump-Putin summit. The US leader expressed disappointment with the lack of progress in ceasefire talks.

Details of the New US Russia Sanctions

Secretary Bessent revealed the sanctions from the White House. He described them as one of the largest ever imposed on Russia. The official announcement was expected by Thursday morning.

According to Reuters, this action marks a sharp shift in Trump’s approach. For months, he had held off on new penalties. He hoped to personally persuade Putin to end the war in Ukraine.

Breakdown in Diplomatic Relations

The Treasury Chief explained the President’s frustration. He said Putin did not engage in a forthright manner. This was despite a recent phone call between the two leaders.

A face-to-face meeting in Alaska last August also failed. President Trump ended those talks early. Bessent confirmed that behind-the-scenes discussions have since stalled.

The European Union is also taking new action. The bloc will ban Russian liquefied natural gas imports by 2027. It is also blacklisting Russian oil tankers and restricting diplomat travel.

This coordinated Western response represents a major escalation in economic pressure on Moscow. The new US Russia sanctions signal a hardened stance from the Trump administration as conflict continues.

Thought you’d like to know-

What prompted these new US sanctions on Russia?

The US cited a lack of honest engagement from President Putin in Ukraine peace talks. This followed the cancellation of a planned summit and stalled negotiations.

What did the US Treasury Secretary say about the sanctions?

Scott Bessent called it one of the largest sanctions packages ever against Russia. He stated the measures would be announced imminently.

Is the European Union also imposing new sanctions?

Yes, the EU is introducing its own measures. These include a ban on Russian LNG by 2027 and restrictions on Russian oil tankers and diplomats.

How does this affect the Ukraine war situation?

It signals a major shift in US strategy. The move increases economic pressure on Moscow after months of stalled diplomatic efforts.

Had Trump previously avoided new sanctions on Russia?

Yes, the President had held off for months. He hoped to personally negotiate a ceasefire with President Putin directly.