US imposes sanctions on Russian oil over Putin’s ‘refusal’ to end war in Ukraine

Trump administration hardens stance against the Kremlin day after cancelling a planned summit with Russian leader

President Donald Trump meets with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

US treasury secretary Scott Bessent has announced new sanctions against Russia’s two biggest oil companies and condemned Moscow’s refusal to end its “senseless war” on Ukraine.

The sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil, as well as dozens of subsidiaries, come after months of bipartisan pressure on President Donald Trump to hit Russia with harder sanctions.