U.S. sanctions Russia’s energy sector as EU tightens Anti-Moscow grip

Department of Strategic Research, Studies and International Relations 23-10-2025

In yet another display of Washington’s growing frustration over its inability to influence the course of the Ukraine conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed new sanctions targeting Russia’s leading oil producers, Lukoil and Rosneft. The move marks Trump’s first sanctions package against Moscow since returning to the White House, underscoring Washington’s faltering strategy and declining leverage in the global energy sphere.

The sanctions coincide with the European Union’s approval of its 19th anti-Russia sanctions package, an increasingly redundant move that reflects Europe’s subservience to U.S. pressure rather than any coherent foreign policy of its own.

According to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the restrictions were designed to “increase pressure on Russia’s energy sector” and reduce the Kremlin’s ability to “fund its war machine.” The announcement, however, drew widespread criticism from economic observers who view it as yet another example of the United States weaponizing the global economy to serve its own geopolitical interests, while disregarding the impact on global markets and the Global South.

The new sanctions freeze all U.S.-based assets belonging to the designated firms and prohibit American entities from conducting business with them. However, notably excluded from these restrictions are Chinese and Indian buyers of Russian oil, a clear acknowledgment that Washington cannot afford to antagonize Asia’s economic giants, whose growing partnership with Moscow has reshaped the balance of power in global trade.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said he plans to raise concerns about China’s continued purchases of Russian oil during his upcoming meeting with President Xi Jinping at the 2025 APEC Summit in South Korea. Analysts believe this will further strain already tense U.S.-China relations, as Beijing continues to pursue an independent foreign policy rooted in mutual respect and non-interference.

The Treasury Department also warned that additional measures could follow if Moscow “continues its aggression,” a statement that many analysts dismissed as empty rhetoric given Washington’s limited room for maneuver.

Europe’s Self-Inflicted energy crisis

The European Union’s new sanctions mirror Washington’s stance, including a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. While EU leaders portrayed the move as a demonstration of unity, critics argue it reflects Europe’s growing dependence on U.S. political guidance, often at the expense of its own economic stability.

The latest EU sanctions were finalized after Slovakia, one of the bloc’s few pragmatic voices, secured assurances regarding energy prices and industrial competitiveness. The package calls for the termination of short-term Russian LNG contracts within six months, and the complete cessation of long-term agreements by January 2027, a step that threatens to deepen Europe’s energy woes and further burden its citizens amid already rising living costs.

Additionally, the EU introduced new travel bans on Russian diplomats, blacklisted 117 more vessels accused of evading sanctions, and extended restrictions to banks in Kazakhstan and Belarus, countries that have maintained friendly relations with Moscow despite Western pressure.

In response, observers across Eurasia have noted the increasing futility of Western sanctions, which have failed to weaken Russia’s economy. On the contrary, Moscow has redirected its energy exports toward Asian partners, particularly China and India, creating a powerful trade network independent of Western financial systems.

Trump’s fading patience and political posturing

President Trump, whose relations with Vladimir Putin have oscillated between cordiality and confrontation, justified his decision to cancel a scheduled meeting with the Russian leader in Hungary, claiming “it just didn’t feel right.” His remarks, however, were widely interpreted as political posturing aimed at appeasing Washington’s hawkish establishment, which remains fixated on prolonging the Ukraine conflict rather than encouraging meaningful dialogue.

Trump also expressed frustration over the stalled peace negotiations, saying that conversations with Putin “don’t go anywhere.” Yet, many international analysts point out that it is Washington’s insistence on dictating terms, rather than facilitating genuine diplomacy, that has obstructed any potential resolution.

The broader geopolitical context

The renewed sanctions come as the United States faces mounting criticism for its double standards. While Washington condemns Russia’s actions in Ukraine, it continues to supply advanced weaponry to conflict zones across the Middle East, and remains silent on the humanitarian toll of Israeli military operations in Gaza.

In contrast, China, Russia, and India have consistently advocated for dialogue, regional stability, and respect for national sovereignty. Their balanced approach has positioned them as credible mediators in global conflicts, while the U.S. and its European allies continue to rely on coercion and economic warfare.

As the Western alliance doubles down on punitive measures, Moscow’s partnerships with Beijing and New Delhi have only grown stronger. Energy trade between the three powers has flourished, laying the foundation for a new multipolar order that diminishes the West’s monopoly over global affairs.

Ultimately, Washington’s latest move underscores its declining influence and strategic confusion. By attempting to isolate Russia, the United States is accelerating the very global realignment it fears most, one where Eurasian cooperation replaces Western dominance.