Biden Expands Russia Sanctions, Trump’s Decision to Keep Them Looms/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Joe Biden announced expanded sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector, aiming to weaken its economy amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The sanctions focus on Russian oil producers, shadow fleets, and trade facilitators. It now falls to President-elect Donald Trump to decide whether to uphold or roll back the measures when he takes office.
Biden’s Russia Sanctions: Quick Looks
- Major Sanctions Expansion: Targeting Russian oil and LNG sectors, sanctions aim to cost billions monthly.
- Global Coordination: U.S. and UK sanction major firms like Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas.
- Trump’s Role: Incoming administration will decide whether to maintain or remove sanctions.
- Kremlin Dismissal: Russia accuses Biden of leaving a difficult legacy for Trump.
- Ongoing Support for Ukraine: U.S. unveiled $500M in military aid as Zelenskyy meets with U.S. officials.
Biden Expands Russia Sanctions, Trump’s Decision to Keep Them Looms
Deep Look
The Biden administration announced its most significant sanctions yet against Russia’s energy sector on Friday, targeting key components of the nation’s economy amid its nearly three-year war in Ukraine. However, with just days remaining in Biden’s presidency, the decision on whether to continue these measures now rests with President-elect Donald Trump.
The New Sanctions
The sanctions target Russia’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) sectors, critical drivers of its economy. Key elements include:
- Shadow Fleet: Over 180 vessels allegedly used by Russia to evade sanctions.
- Entities Involved in Oil Trade: Traders, oil field service companies, and energy officials.
- Dual-Use Vessels: Ships suspected of transporting sanctioned Iranian oil in addition to Russian oil.
The measures, coordinated with the United Kingdom, also hit major Russian oil producers Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas and their subsidiaries. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen described the sanctions as a “sweeping action” to disrupt Russia’s revenue streams used to fund the war in Ukraine.
Trump’s Decision Looms
With Biden leaving office on January 20, President-elect Trump and his administration will soon decide the fate of these sanctions. Trump’s transition team has not yet commented on the new measures, but his historical relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin has drawn scrutiny.
Trump has repeatedly criticized the cost of U.S. aid to Ukraine and pledged to quickly end the conflict. He also recently expressed skepticism about Ukraine joining NATO, aligning with one of Putin’s longstanding objections.
Congressional Oversight
Should the Trump administration attempt to roll back the sanctions, it must notify Congress. Lawmakers could potentially block the move through a vote of disapproval, ensuring a check on executive action.
Kremlin’s Reaction
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the new sanctions as an attempt by Biden to complicate bilateral relations for the incoming Trump administration.
“We are aware that the administration will try to leave as difficult a legacy in bilateral relations as possible for Trump and his team,” Peskov said.
Support for Ukraine Continues
The Biden administration reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine by unveiling a $500 million military aid package. This coincided with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
Zelenskyy had planned to meet with Biden in Italy on Friday, but the U.S. president canceled his travel plans to oversee the federal response to wildfires devastating Los Angeles.
Trump’s Stance on Ukraine
Trump has expressed concern over the loss of life in Ukraine but argued that the conflict would not have occurred under his leadership. He also emphasized his intent to resolve the war swiftly upon taking office.
“The war would never have happened if I were president,” Trump claimed earlier this week.
What’s Next?
As Biden exits the White House, his expanded sanctions leave Trump with a critical decision on whether to maintain pressure on Russia or pivot toward a different strategy. Trump’s handling of U.S.-Russia relations will undoubtedly shape the ongoing conflict and America’s role in global geopolitics.
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