The White House is weighing new sanctions against Russia
Image: NBC News
President Trump is strongly considering new sanctions on Russia in the coming days as his frustration with Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine continues to mount, according to multiple reports.
- In a Truth Social post yesterday, Trump said the Russian leader is “playing with fire” by continuing to launch attacks on Ukraine despite US-led efforts for peace.
The current sanction situation
Since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the US has implemented a series of sanctions focused on isolating Russia from the global financial system, cutting the profitability of its energy sector, and reducing its military capabilities.
These sanctions have all remained in place during the first months of the Trump admin.
- Financial: Seven Russian banks are blocked from the Swift international payment system—though others, including Russia’s biggest lender, Sberbank, are not.
- Energy: The US has banned all imports of Russian oil products, restricted American investments in most Russian energy companies, and tried to cap how much other countries pay for Russian energy.
- Military: America has restricted Russia from receiving any exports of US technology that can be used for military applications, including drones and semiconductors.
Potential future actions on the docket: Treasury officials are reportedly preparing sanctions that would ban more Russian banks from the Swift international payment system, while 80+ US senators are backing a proposal to implement new secondary sanctions on countries doing business with Russia.
- The Senate’s bill would set 500% tariffs for all US imports from countries that purchase Russian oil, gas, and other products, in an attempt to stop Moscow from funding its military through energy sales to friendly nations like China and India.
Big picture: It’s unclear how much current US sanctions on Russia have impacted the country, according to Western observers. At times, Russia’s economy has appeared to buckle under the strain of sanctions—but it has also shown unexpected strength. Russia’s GDP grew 4.1% in 2023 and another 4.3% in 2024, though some experts question whether to trust Moscow’s data.
📊 Flash poll: In your opinion, how should the US approach the Russia-Ukraine war?
See a 360° view of what pundits are saying →
Sprinkles from the Left
- Some commentators argue that a review of Trump’s Ukraine peace efforts shows he clearly understands the war’s immense suffering and has pledged to end it—but his scattershot diplomacy has ensured peace is probably more distant today than when he took office.
- Others contend that it may look like Trump has started changing his attitude about Putin—but this is the sixth time this term something similar has happened, and still hasn’t used any economic leverage to force the Kremlin to rethink its hardline stance.
- “Trump’s road to failure in Ukraine” –David Ignatius, WaPo
- “No, Trump. ‘Crazy’ Putin hasn’t changed. The question is, have you?” –Matthew Chance, CNN
- “Russia sanctions: a brittle economy is Putin’s weakness” –The Guardian Editorial Board
Sprinkles from the Right
- Some commentators argue that while Trump and his advisers are often fooled by Putin’s behavior and interests, the Senate can force the President to face the hard reality of. Putin’s ambitions in Ukraine by approving its bill calling for secondary sanctions on Russia.
- Others contend that while Trump’s critics blame him for Ukraine’s war, it’s actually Biden’s many blunders—including NATO talk, weak deterrence, and failed diplomacy—that has made peace between Russia and Ukraine nearly impossible for Trump.
- “Time for a GOP Senate Revolt on Sanctions Against Putin” –WSJ Editorial Board
- “Why It Is So Difficult for Trump to Clean Up Biden’s Ukraine Mess” –Fred Fleitz, American Greatness
- “New sanctions can shock ‘crazy’ Putin to his senses” –NY Post Editorial Board
Share this!
Recent Discussion stories
Discussion
| May 23, 2025Congress overturned California’s ban on new gas-powered cars
🏛️ The Republican-led Senate voted yesterday to revoke several Biden-era waivers that allow California to set its own vehicle emissions standards, a move that blocks the state’s first-in-the nation rule banning all new gas-powered cars by 2035.
Discussion
| May 21, 2025Trump unveils plans to build a “Golden Dome” around the USA
🇺🇸 President Trump yesterday unveiled plans for a Golden Dome missile defense shield, which would detect, track, and potentially intercept incoming missiles, including nuclear weapons. If realized, it would mark the first time that the US put weapons in space.
Discussion
| May 19, 2025The US government lost its perfect credit rating
🏛️ Moody’s on Friday downgraded the US sovereign credit rating from the highest possible mark, citing concerns about America's growing ~$36 trillion national debt and the associated interest costs, which are projected to become the single biggest line item in the federal budget by 2051.
You've made it this far...
Let's make our relationship official, no 💍 or elaborate proposal required. Learn and stay entertained, for free.👇
All of our news is 100% free and you can unsubscribe anytime; the quiz takes ~10 seconds to complete