Washington prepares new sanctions as Moscow weighs peace plan rejection

Wednesday 17 December 2025 - 14:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Washington prepares new sanctions as Moscow weighs peace plan rejection

The United States is preparing new sanctions against Russia’s energy sector in case President Vladimir Putin rejects the latest peace proposal aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. According to reports, the measures would target a network of vessels and intermediaries involved in transporting Russian oil outside Western restrictions, signaling Washington’s readiness to escalate financial pressure on Moscow.

Officials said the sanctions package is designed to undermine the trade routes and tanker operations forming part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” which allows the Kremlin to continue exporting oil despite existing caps and embargoes. The initiative aligns with broader Western efforts to curb the revenues funding Russia’s military campaign.

The move follows progress made during high-level peace talks held in Berlin, where US envoys and Ukrainian leaders reached broad understanding on several core elements of a proposed settlement. Washington described the discussions as “productive” but warned that the diplomatic window is narrowing unless Moscow shows genuine willingness to engage.

European and Ukrainian authorities have already taken steps to limit Russia’s alternative trade channels. The European Union recently imposed sanctions on individuals and companies linked to tanker networks supporting Russian oil exports. Kyiv followed by blacklisting more than 600 maritime vessels suspected of participating in sanction evasion.

Analysts note that the US Treasury has intensified its monitoring of global oil shipments since October, targeting companies suspected of aiding Russian exports through opaque transfers at sea. The new sanctions under consideration would deepen this campaign, marking one of Washington’s most comprehensive attempts yet to choke Russia’s wartime economy.