The United States is considering a new package of sanctions against the Russian energy sector if Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses to agree to a peace deal with Ukraine. This was reported by Bloomberg News, citing people familiar with the situation.
According to the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the new sanctions could target ships making up Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" of tankers. The latter is used to transport oil outside traditional trade channels, helping Moscow circumvent existing restrictions.
The US administration is also considering action against traders and intermediaries who facilitate these transactions.
According to reports, new sanctions could be announced as early as this week. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was due to discuss the planned move during a meeting with a group of European ambassadors earlier this week.
The Kremlin responded to questions about possible sanctions by saying it had not yet seen the Bloomberg report, but warned that any new restrictions would negatively affect any efforts to improve relations between the United States and Russia.
Moscow has long argued that Western sanctions are an obstacle to restoring diplomatic dialogue.
At the same time, Russian officials stress that pressure from the West will not calm the situation and, on the contrary, may complicate any negotiations on a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine.
(reuters, pir)