Washington Considers Harsher Oil Sanctions on Russia Amid Peace Pressure

The Kremlin is fully aware that new sanctions against Russia are being discussed in Washington, official spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said. He stated that such measures would inevitably harm efforts to restore dialogue between Russia and the United States.

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Immunity to sanctions

"That such plans exist in certain offices in Washington is well known to us,” Peskov said.

Washington Signals Readiness for Additional Pressure

According to Bloomberg, the United States is preparing a new package of sanctions designed to increase pressure on Moscow if it refuses to accept a peace settlement related to the conflict in Ukraine. The measures under discussion reportedly focus on Russia's energy exports and logistics networks.

Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the proposed restrictions may target vessels linked to Russia's so-called shadow tanker fleet, which is used to transport oil despite existing sanctions. Traders and intermediaries facilitating these shipments could also face penalties.

Oil Sector Seen as Key Vulnerability

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly discussed the sanctions framework earlier this week during meetings with European ambassadors. Officials believe that additional pressure on Russia's oil industry could further weaken export revenues and limit Moscow's financial flexibility.

Bloomberg notes that while many sanctions imposed since the start of the conflict have failed to alter Russia's strategic position, measures aimed at major oil companies have already driven Russian crude prices to exceptionally low levels, deepening economic strain.

Frozen Assets and Peace Talks

American officials are also considering the fate of frozen Russian assets as part of any future peace agreement. These assets could become a bargaining tool in negotiations, according to sources cited by Bloomberg.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has sharply criticized Washington's approach, accusing the United States of acting in bad faith by simultaneously discussing peace prospects while expanding sanctions against Russia's energy sector.

Kremlin Warns of Long-Term Consequences

The Kremlin maintains that sanctions not only fail to achieve their political objectives but also inflict long-term damage on bilateral relations. Moscow argues that continued economic pressure reduces trust and makes diplomatic normalization increasingly difficult.

Despite mounting restrictions, Russian officials insist that the country will continue adapting its economy and pursuing alternative trade routes, particularly in energy markets.