Trump imposes sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil: what forced the US to act

The US President has introduced the first sanctions against Russia

Donald Trump announced direct restrictions against Russia, affecting the largest Russian oil companies 'Rosneft' and 'Lukoil'. The decision on sanctions was made after the cancellation of a planned summit with Russian President Putin in Budapest.

'It is time', Trump stated.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, believing that Moscow shows no real change in its position regarding the war in Ukraine, supported the imposition of sanctions. He canceled a planned personal meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov after a phone call during which it became clear that the Kremlin was trying to avoid negotiations on a ceasefire.

Rubio and the strategy conflict

Secretary of State Rubio advocates a firm course against Moscow, while the President's Special Envoy Steve Wickoff supports a negotiated approach. Rubio's position became a turning point in the introduction of sanctions against Russia.

'President Trump always leads foreign policy, and his team is united in implementing the America First vision', said the White House press secretary.

The failed previous experience and new assessment of Moscow

The meeting in August showed the tension in relations between the US and Russia over Putin's demands regarding Ukrainian territories. This time, Rubio controlled the preparation for dialogue, which led to the imposition of sanctions.

Sanctions and further steps

Despite the imposed restrictions, Secretary of State Rubio did not rule out further contacts with Moscow, emphasizing readiness for dialogue with the aim of achieving peace. Trump confirmed the necessity of dialogue if progress is not made.

After the cancellation of the summit between Trump and Putin in Budapest, the US President imposed sanctions against Russia, targeting the largest oil companies. Secretary of State Marco Rubio believes that Moscow is not showing real changes in the war in Ukraine and supported the imposition of sanctions. Relations between the US and Russia remain tense, and further steps from both sides are currently uncertain.