The US and EU are signaling renewed transatlantic unity in their effort to stop Russia’s war in Ukraine, with Washington announcing new sanctions on Russian oil giants just as Brussels prepares its 19th package of penalties.
The Trump administration sanctioned Rosneft and Lukoil, aiming to cut off the main source of funding for Putin’s military. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the move was a response to Putin’s “senseless war” and encouraged allies to join the effort.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the US action, stating she had spoken with Bessent. She called it a “clear signal from both sides of theAtlantic that we will keep up collective pressure on the aggressor.”
This marks a significant moment of alignment, as European allies had been concerned by the Trump administration’s earlier perceived softness on Moscow. The new sanctions follow a UK move against both firms last week.
The EU’s own package is expected to be harsh, targeting Russian LNG, the “shadow fleet” of tankers used to skirt oil price caps, and banks facilitating sanctions evasion. This coordinated pressure is a clear victory for Ukraine and its supporters.