The United States is reportedly preparing a new sanctions package targeting Russia’s energy sector, aiming to increase pressure on Moscow in the event that Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses a peace agreement with Ukraine, Bloomberg reports, citing sources familiar with the plans.
According to these sources, Washington is considering several options, including sanctioning so-called “shadow fleet” vessels — illegal tankers used to transport Russian oil — as well as the traders involved in these transactions. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity due to the confidential nature of the discussions.
Some officials indicated that the new measures could be announced later this week. Bloomberg notes that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has recently discussed these plans with a group of European ambassadors as part of coordination with allies.
The new sanctions are expected to further restrict Russia’s energy export revenues, which are considered crucial for financing its war against Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the U.S. and European countries have developed a peace plan that includes strengthening the Ukrainian military, deploying European forces within Ukraine, and increasing the use of U.S. intelligence. The aim of the plan is to serve as a basis for a broader ceasefire and to prevent future Russian attacks.
However, achieving a comprehensive ceasefire remains difficult, as Russia is not directly involved in these negotiations. Russian officials have reiterated that Moscow will not accept the presence of NATO forces in Ukraine and continue to demand territorial concessions.
Despite this, U.S. officials remain optimistic that increased economic pressure, including new sanctions, may compel the Kremlin to reconsider its position.
