Sanctions ready but on hold: United States prepares new measures against Russia

Read also: Zelenskyy signs sanctions on Russian shadow fleet oil shipments

According to European officials cited by the publication, the United States has prepared additional sanctions against Russia, but there are no signs of their implementation. The diplomats asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue.

At the same time, European Union leaders plan to adopt a new 20th package of sanctions against Russia.

The publication writes that Europe has developed another sanctions package ahead of the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion in 2022, which will take place later this month.

The European Union is also stepping up actions against Russia's shadow fleet, but, according to European officials, these measures are more like a slow punch than fighting a fire.

Sanctions against Russia

At the end of January, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said that work on the package was still ongoing and had not yet been agreed upon.

According to her, European countries are proposing various sanctions, including a complete ban on maritime services, as well as issues related to energy sanctions and mineral fertilizers.

French President Emmanuel Macron also confirmed the development of sanctions, and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said that the new measures would include particularly tough restrictions against Russia's shadow fleet.

Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that the sanctions package is intended to limit Russia's revenues from energy exports, neutralize the shadow fleet, and block sanctions evasion schemes.

The United States continues to increase sanctions pressure on Russia.

In particular, US President Donald Trump signed a bipartisan law that significantly expands the scope of restrictions.