Thu Oct 23 03:56:42 UTC 2025: US Imposes Sanctions on Russian Oil Giants as Patience with Putin Wanes
WASHINGTON D.C. – President Donald Trump has levied sanctions on Russia for the first time since returning to the White House, targeting the country’s two largest oil companies, Lukoil and Rosneft. The move signals growing impatience with Moscow’s lack of progress in ending the war in Ukraine. The EU has also announced its 19th sanctions package on Russia, banning LNG imports.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the sanctions were a response to President Putin’s “refusal to end this senseless war” and a “lack of serious commitment” to peace talks. The measures block US assets of the designated firms and prohibit Americans from conducting business with them.
President Trump expressed frustration with stalled ceasefire negotiations, stating that his conversations with President Putin “don’t go anywhere.” He also mentioned plans to address China’s purchases of Russian oil with President Xi Jinping at the upcoming APEC summit.
The EU’s sanctions package includes an LNG import ban and travel restrictions on Russian diplomats. Andriy Yermak, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, welcomed the sanctions but added that package 20 is in the works.
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