Trump denies plans for new anti-Russia sanctions, Reuters reports

A White House official denied Bloomberg's report about the US preparing sanctions on Russia’s energy sector. The agency had reported that such measures could be implemented if Russian leader Vladimir Putin rejects a potential peace deal.

According to a Trump administration official, the American leader has not made any new decisions on anti-Russia sanctions.

"It is the role of agencies to prepare options for the president to execute," he said.

A US State Department representative told Reuters that sanctions against Russia will not be discussed in advance.

Background

Earlier, Bloomberg reported that the Trump administration was preparing new sanctions against Russia's energy sector. Sources told the agency that the White House aims to increase pressure on the Russian leader if he rejects the US-proposed peace plan.

Sources said the new sanctions could be introduced as early as next week.

They would target Russia's shadow fleet and trading companies used by Russia to transport raw materials to buyers.

Sanctions against Russia

In early November, the US imposed sanctions on two Russian oil companies, Lukoil and Rosneft. As a result, EU countries with Lukoil refineries began seeking solutions to prevent factory shutdowns.

Recently, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has imposed sanctions on nearly 700 tankers from Russia’s shadow fleet, which transports sanctioned Russian oil, bypassing restrictions established by the civilized world.

Additionally, on December 15, the European Council introduced new sanctions against nine individuals and organizations that facilitate the operation of Russia’s shadow fleet.