As Joe Biden prepares to leave office, his administration, along with the UK, has imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia's energy sector. This decisive move targets major oil companies such as Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, as well as Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" of oil tankers. The sanctions aim to deplete the financial resources that fuel Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
These measures are the latest in a series of international efforts to pressure Russia economically. The G7 nations have already enforced a price cap on Russian oil exports, and now increased production from the US, Canada, and Brazil allows for a more aggressive stance.
Biden has emphasized the importance of maintaining pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he describes as being in a "bad position." The sanctions are designed to limit Putin's room for maneuvering by hitting a core revenue stream of the Russian economy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Biden and the US Congress for their unwavering support. Zelenskyy acknowledged the sanctions as a significant blow to Russia's war apparatus.
As Donald Trump prepares to assume the presidency, there is speculation regarding how his administration will handle these sanctions. Trump has previously criticized the extent of US military aid to Ukraine, raising concerns in Kyiv and among Western allies about potential policy shifts.
Meanwhile, tensions are further heightened by heightened drone activity and warnings from the European Aviation Safety Agency about the risks of flying over Russia. This complex geopolitical landscape underscores the critical juncture at which international relations with Russia currently stand.
