The Trump administration is preparing a new package of sanctions against Russia if Vladimir Putin does not stop the war in Ukraine, Reuters reported. The measures target Russian banks and oil transportation as part of efforts to increase pressure on Moscow.
Washington also supports the use of frozen Russian assets by the EU to purchase American weapons for Ukraine and is considering using Russian funds blocked in the US to aid Kiev.
This package shows that the White House has measures ready for further escalation, following recent sanctions on energy companies Lukoil and Rosneft, which increased the price of oil by over $2 per barrel.
European allies are hoping the US will keep up the pressure on Putin and are discussing new measures. Some US officials are calling for Europe to take the "next big step" against Russia.
Meanwhile, Kiev has proposed the complete exclusion of Russian banks from the dollar system, although it is not known whether this will be accepted.
In Congress, a bipartisan bill for additional sanctions on Russia is being revived, which Trump is expected to support, but not immediately.
From Moscow, a Putin envoy has stated that the parties are close to a diplomatic solution, while Ukraine welcomes the possibility of new sanctions as the most effective way to "dismantle the Russian war machine."
