US readies Russia sanctions over Ukraine, unclear if Trump will sign, sources say
Share this @internewscast.com

U.S. officials have finalized a set of new economic sanctions against Russia, aiming to increase pressure on Moscow to support U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiatives to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This information was provided by three U.S. officials and a source with knowledge of the situation.

The sanctions target state-owned Russian energy company Gazprom, as well as key players in the natural resources and banking sectors, according to an administration official who, like the other sources, wished to remain anonymous while discussing the matter.

The official provided no further details.

Nonetheless, it remains uncertain if President Trump will approve the sanctions package, as his previous support for Moscow’s statements and maneuvers has turned into frustration over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s rejection of his ceasefire and peace proposal efforts.

The U.S. National Security Council “is trying to coordinate some set of more punitive actions against Russia,” said the source familiar with the issue. “This will have to be signed off by Trump.”

“It’s totally his call,” confirmed a second U.S. official.

“From the beginning, the president has been clear about his commitment to achieving a full and comprehensive ceasefire,” said National Security Council Spokesman James Hewitt. “We do not comment on the details of ongoing negotiations.”

The U.S. Treasury, which implements most U.S. sanctions, did not respond to a request for comment.

An approval by Trump of new sanctions, which would follow the Wednesday signing of a U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal that he heavily promoted as part of his peace effort, could signify a hardening of his stance towards the Kremlin.

Rescuers work at the site of an apartment building hit by a Russian ballistic missile strike, in Kyiv

Rescuers work at the site of an apartment building hit by a Russian ballistic missile strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, April 24, 2025.  (REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko)

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 the United States and its allies have added layer upon layer of sanctions on the country. While the measures have been painful for Russia’s economy, Moscow has found ways to circumvent the sanctions and continue funding its war.

Trump “has been bending over backwards to give Putin every opportunity to say, ‘Okay, we’re going to have a ceasefire and an end to the war,’ and Putin keeps rejecting him,” said Kurt Volker, a former U.S. envoy to NATO who was U.S. special representative for Ukraine negotiations during Trump’s first term. “This is the next phase of putting some pressure on Russia.”

“Putin has been escalating,” he continued. Trump “has got the U.S. and Ukraine now in alignment calling for an immediate and full ceasefire, and Putin is now the outlier.”

Since assuming office in January, Trump has taken steps seen as aimed at boosting Russian acceptance of his peace effort, including disbanding a Justice Department task force formed to enforce sanctions and target oligarchs close to the Kremlin.

He also has made pro-Moscow statements, falsely blaming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for starting the conflict and calling him a “dictator.”

Meanwhile, Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, has advocated a peace strategy that would cede four Ukrainian regions to Moscow, and has met Putin four times, most recently last week.

But three days after that meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated Putin’s maximalist demands for a settlement and Moscow’s forces have pressed frontline attacks and missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities, claiming more civilian casualties.

Reuters reported in March that the United States was drawing up a plan to potentially give Russia sanctions relief but Trump in recent weeks has expressed frustration with Putin’s foot-dragging on ending the invasion and last Saturday held a “very productive” one-on-one meeting in the Vatican with Zelenskiy.

The next day, Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform that he was “strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions and Tariffs on Russia” that would remain until a ceasefire and final peace deal.

Volker said that Russia has been earning hard currency that funds its military through oil and gas sales to countries like India and China and that it would be “very significant” if Trump slapped secondary sanctions on such deals.

Secondary sanctions are those where one country seeks to punish a second country for trading with a third by barring access to its own market, a particularly powerful tool for the United States because of the size of its economy.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Israel fighting 'very tough' war in Gaza, retired British Army colonel says

Retired British Army Colonel Describes Gaza Conflict as Intensely Challenging for Israel

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) face significant scrutiny regarding their war efforts,…
Rep. Angie Nixon on new ICE facility at Camp Blanding

Congresswoman Angie Nixon Discusses New ICE Facility at Camp Blanding

Gov. Ron DeSantis announces that construction of a new ICE detention facility…
Drive-by shooting in Chicago leaves 4 dead, 14 injured

Chicago Drive-By Shooting Results in 4 Fatalities and 14 Injuries

The shooting happened at a restaurant that had just hosted the release…
A rescue boat with several people aboard.

Heroic Dad’s Daring Disney Cruise Rescue: Daughter’s Savior Identified as Glamorous Doctor

THE truth about the hero dad who leapt off a Disney cruise…
'Lilo & Stitch' star Maia Kealoha riding the wave of 2025's #1 movie as it hits another box office milestone

Maia Kealoha Shines in ‘Lilo & Stitch,’ the Breakout Movie of 2025, Surpassing New Box Office Records

HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES — As we find ourselves six weeks into the…
House GOP set to vote on Trump's $4.5T tax cuts package

House Republicans Prepare to Vote on Trump’s $4.5 Trillion Tax Cut Plan

Democrats are unified in opposing the bill, which will become a significant…
Fruit salad with blueberries, kiwi, banana, and strawberries.

The FDA Issues Urgent Recall on Tainted Fruit Due to Severe Health Risks, Including Miscarriage and Death

HUNDREDS of boxes of a popular fruit are being recalled after it’s…
The Founders Museum Is an Inspired Addition to the Launch of America 250 Celebrations

The Founders Museum: A Brilliant Addition to the Kickoff of America 250 Festivities

This Independence weekend is an ideal opportunity to explore the America 250…
US Post Office truck parked on a residential street.

USPS Workers Are Delivering a Common Household Item to Your Mailbox – Why Leaving It Could Be Safer

THERE may be a common household item sitting loose in your mailbox…
University of Illinois Chicago releases report on faulty Analytical Forensic Testing Laboratory blood tests in marijuana DUI cases

University of Illinois Chicago Publishes Report on Inaccurate Blood Test Results in Marijuana DUI Cases

CHICAGO (WLS) — The University of Illinois Chicago has issued an internal…
Will NYC fall for the selfie-entitled Zohran Mamdani?

Is NYC Ready for Zohran Mamdani’s Rise in Popularity?

What do you do if something doesn’t work? Why, surely you should…
'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' celebrates milestones and memorable moments ahead of season 17 premiere.

‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ Marks Major Milestones and Iconic Moments as Season 17 Approaches.

Just when you thought “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” couldn’t get any…