President Donald Trump is reportedly prepared to double sanctions against Russia, according to Keith Kellogg, his permanent representative for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Speaking in an interview with the New York Post, Kellogg emphasised that the US administration is continuously discussing ways to influence the end of the ongoing war.
Kellogg’s remarks followed a high-level meeting in the Oval Office, where President Trump consulted with key officials, including the Vice President and the heads of relevant departments, to assess the situation on the Russia-Ukraine front. During these discussions, the administration concluded that it has significant leverage to intensify economic pressure on Moscow.
Expanding Economic Pressure
Kellogg stated that the current sanctions level is only a 3 out of 10, indicating that the administration has significant room to escalate economic pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin. A primary focus is the Russian energy sector, particularly strengthening the measures introduced in the final weeks of President Joe Biden’s tenure.
Kellogg described the previous administration’s measures as insufficient, arguing that a military victory over Russia is unlikely due to the Kremlin’s willingness to sustain heavy casualties. Instead, he emphasised economic pressure and diplomatic efforts as the primary means of bringing the war to an end.
The Trump administration is reportedly considering tightening restrictions on major Russian energy companies such as Rosneft and Lukoil, as well as Gazprom, Russia’s state-controlled gas monopoly. Additional measures could include targeting the so-called “shadow fleet” of Russian tankers, which Moscow has used to circumvent sanctions on oil exports.
Furthermore, the administration is exploring ways to exert pressure on key Russian energy buyers, particularly China and India. Kellogg suggested that the US could offer India alternative sources of cheaper oil to reduce its reliance on Russian supplies. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has sought to maintain strong strategic ties with Washington, could be a pivotal figure in this effort.
Sanctions as a Test of Russia’s Economic Stability
The consideration of tougher sanctions comes amid reports of worsening relations between Trump and Putin since the US president’s inauguration. Trump is said to have grown frustrated with Putin’s unwillingness to make concessions that would allow him to claim a diplomatic victory in ending the war without compromising US and Ukrainian interests.
The prospect of escalating economic pressure raises questions about the likelihood of future direct talks between the two leaders. If Putin becomes willing to negotiate, it could indicate that Russia’s economic situation is more fragile than officially acknowledged.
At the same time, US officials recognise that an energy war against Russia would be a long-term endeavour, with no guarantee of immediate results. Given Beijing’s ongoing economic support for Moscow, significant weakening of Russia’s financial position could take years. This reality underscores the need for sustained US military assistance to Ukraine, ensuring it can continue its resistance against Russian forces.
Future Strategy
A key question now is whether Trump will implement stronger sanctions before any potential meeting with Putin or wait until the Russian president’s stance on negotiations becomes clearer. If Putin refuses to make concessions, the US could move forward with a more aggressive economic approach.
For now, the Trump administration appears intent on increasing pressure on Moscow, viewing financial constraints as a decisive factor in shaping the outcome of the war.
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