US sanctions Rosneft and Lukoil, Russia launches nuclear exercise

The United States has imposed sanctions on Russia's leading oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil in order to weaken the financing of the war in Ukraine. The measures follow shortly after the cancellation of the planned Trump-Putin summit, which the US president canceled due to “unfavorable timing.”

Trump had long hesitated to impose energy sanctions, hoping that the Russian president would agree to peace talks. Now, however, he said he felt “the time has come.” Ahead of his upcoming meeting with the Chinese leader, Trump also expressed his expectation that Xi Jinping would exert his influence on Putin.

Meanwhile, Russia has launched a large-scale nuclear exercise with ballistic missiles.

Developments surrounding Ukraine are coming to a head, particularly among European heads of state and government. Sweden announced the delivery of Gripen fighter jets, and EU member states adopted another package of sanctions against Russia, including a ban on imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

European Union representatives are also continuing to negotiate the possibility of granting Ukraine loans from frozen Russian assets.

(reuters, max)