President Donald Trump meets with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, in Washington.
The U.S. has stepped up pressure on Moscow with new sanctions on Russian oil companies, aiming to end the ongoing Ukraine war. President Donald Trump’s administration announced sweeping measures on Wednesday targeting two of Russia’s biggest energy firms — Rosneft and Lukoil.
The move is part of a broader effort to force Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table after more than three years of brutal conflict in Ukraine.
U.S. Tightens Economic Grip on Moscow
The sanctions come after months of appeals from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and bipartisan calls in Washington for tougher actions on Russia’s oil sector. The energy industry remains a critical source of revenue that helps the Kremlin sustain its military campaign.
“Hopefully he’ll become reasonable,” Trump said about Putin soon after the Treasury Department’s announcement. “And hopefully Zelenskyy will be reasonable, too. It takes two to tango.”
The sanctions were unveiled as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met Trump in Washington. NATO has been coordinating major arms deliveries to Ukraine, many funded by Canada and European allies.
Treasury: A Direct Response to Russia’s Refusal
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the new sanctions as a direct response to Moscow’s refusal to end its “senseless war.” He said the measures aim to “choke off the Kremlin’s war machine” and urged U.S. allies to adopt similar restrictions.
Bessent emphasized that Washington is ready to take further action if Russia continues its aggression.
Russia Escalates Attacks on Ukrainian Cities
Hours before the sanctions were announced, Russian drones and missiles struck multiple Ukrainian cities, killing at least six people — including a woman and her two young daughters. The strikes hit Kyiv, Kharkiv, and several other regions, leaving dozens injured.
In Kharkiv, a drone attack damaged a kindergarten while children were inside. “One person was killed and six injured, but no children were physically harmed,” said Mayor Ihor Terekhov.
NATO’s Rutte highlighted the importance of Western weapon supplies. “Air defense systems are crucial,” he said. “The U.S. systems we’re buying are helping protect Ukrainian lives.”
Peace Efforts Still Stalled
Despite repeated diplomatic pushes, Trump’s peace efforts have not yet yielded results. The U.S. president has expressed frustration with Putin’s rigid stance on peace conditions, even as Ukraine has offered a ceasefire.
Trump said a planned meeting with Putin is now on hold, calling it a potential “waste of time.” Meanwhile, Russia conducted nuclear force drills in what observers see as a show of defiance.
Zelenskyy continues to urge stronger international pressure, saying only “sanctions, long-range missiles, and united diplomacy” can bring Moscow to negotiations.
Ukraine Strikes Back Inside Russia
Ukraine’s military claimed responsibility for strikes inside Russia, targeting a key chemical plant in the Bryansk region that produces explosives and ammunition. Kyiv said it also hit a mechanical plant in Mordovia and an oil refinery in Dagestan.
Russian officials confirmed attacks but did not identify the affected facilities. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed it shot down 33 Ukrainian drones overnight, temporarily halting flights at eight airports.
Diplomatic Moves Across Europe
As the war intensifies, Zelenskyy visited Norway and Sweden, signing an agreement in Stockholm to explore purchasing up to 150 Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets. Ukraine has already received U.S.-made F-16s and French Mirages.
European leaders plan to discuss further economic sanctions on Russia during an EU summit in Brussels, followed by a Coalition of the Willing meeting in London.
China and Russia on Trump’s Agenda
Trump is also expected to discuss Russia’s war in Ukraine during his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in South Korea.
Beijing has not supplied weapons to Moscow but has increased exports of technology and machinery that support Russia’s weapons production.
“I think Xi could have a big influence on Putin,” Trump said, adding that the war could end if NATO countries stopped buying Russian oil and imposed high tariffs on China’s purchases of Russian petroleum.
Conclusion
The new U.S. sanctions on Russian oil companies mark one of Trump’s strongest attempts yet to push Putin toward peace. But with Moscow continuing missile strikes and Kyiv launching counterattacks, the path to ending the Ukraine war remains uncertain.
