The United States has prepared a new package of economic sanctions against Russia, aiming to pressure Moscow into resolving the ongoing Ukraine conflict. According to reports from Reuters, the sanctions are ready to be implemented, but it remains uncertain whether US President Donald Trump will give his approval. The move comes as ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine continue, with both sides struggling to find common ground.
Earlier this week, Moscow proposed a 72-hour ceasefire from May 8 to 10, framing it as an opportunity for “direct negotiations with Kiev without preconditions.” However, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky dismissed the offer as “manipulation” and instead called for a 30-day truce. The proposed sanctions would target major Russian entities, including state-owned energy giant Gazprom and key players in the natural resources and banking sectors. An administration official confirmed the details, although specific information was not provided.
Russia has been subject to US sanctions since 2014, following the outbreak of the Ukraine crisis. These sanctions were significantly tightened in 2022 as the conflict escalated. Moscow has consistently labeled the sanctions as “illegal.” A source familiar with the issue stated that the US National Security Council is working to coordinate more punitive actions against Russia, emphasizing that any decision would need to be approved by President Trump. Another US official noted that the final decision rests solely with the president.
The Trump administration has been actively engaged in negotiations with both Moscow and Kiev to bring an end to the conflict. Reportedly, a peace plan has been floated, which includes US recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea and the freezing of the conflict along current front lines. The plan would also acknowledge Moscow’s control over parts of the four former Ukrainian regions that voted to join Russia. Additionally, it would initiate a phased removal of sanctions imposed on Russia and prevent Ukraine from joining NATO.
US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham recently stated that at least 72 senators support imposing “bone-crushing” sanctions on Russia if it resists peace talks. Graham emphasized that the goal is to assist the president in gaining leverage over Russia. In contrast, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concerns about the wisdom of placing new restrictions on Moscow, suggesting that the Trump administration is hopeful that diplomacy will succeed first. Rubio warned that introducing new sanctions could lead to another two years of war, an outcome that everyone wants to avoid.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community watches with bated breath, awaiting the outcome of the negotiations and the potential imposition of new sanctions. The US stance on the conflict remains crucial, and President Trump’s decision on the sanctions package will undoubtedly have significant implications for the future of the region. With the package ready but awaiting approval, the world waits to see what the next steps will be in this complex and delicate geopolitical situation.
