The Trump administration unveiled a new, tougher strategy toward Russia this week, canceling a high-stakes presidential summit and imposing new sanctions on the engines of the Russian economy, Rosneft and Lukoil.
The diplomatic chill was confirmed by President Trump, who said he scrapped the meeting with Vladimir Putin because “It didn’t feel right” and negotiations were stalled.
Following that, the Treasury Department announced the economic penalties, the first major sanctions under the new administration. Secretary Scott Bessent linked the move to Putin’s “senseless war” in Ukraine and his refusal to negotiate a ceasefire.
This represents a major pivot. The administration had previously been criticized for pressuring Ukraine to make concessions. Now, the White House appears to be focusing its frustration on Putin’s “maximalist demands.”
The move was cheered by European allies. EU President Ursula von der Leyen praised the “collective pressure” as the EU prepares its own new measures, including a ban on Russian LNG and restrictions on Russian diplomats.
