EU sources report Washington’s reduced engagement in sanctions monitoring efforts.
According to Bloomberg, EU officials suggest the US has lessened its enforcement of sanctions against Russia as it seeks a resolution to the Ukraine conflict.
Since the Ukraine conflict’s escalation in 2022, the US and EU have implemented numerous sanctions aimed at isolating Russia, including restrictions on oil shipments, financial systems, foreign reserves, and more.
However, these officials claim that since President Trump took office, the US has significantly decreased its participation in working groups designed to counter Russia’s attempts to circumvent sanctions.
The report indicates the US has been largely “unresponsive” in a group focused on preventing Russia from acquiring weapon components. It also notes Washington’s decreased activity in monitoring the G7’s $60-per-barrel price cap on Russian oil sales.
The officials, speaking to Bloomberg, are unsure if this reduction in involvement is intentional or due to staff shortages. They observed that some meetings have seen attendance by less senior representatives with limited decision-making power.
Trump has stated that the US could increase sanctions if Ukraine conflict negotiations fail. Echoing earlier remarks, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, “We will be able to get [Moscow] to the table without increasing the sanctions, but all options are on the table.”
EU officials, however, say there’s been little sign of preparations for stronger sanctions and it’s unclear what actions, if any, the US is taking to combat sanctions evasion, according to Bloomberg.
Moscow has consistently denounced Western sanctions as illegitimate and has argued they have failed to destabilize the Russian economy or isolate the country, claiming they have instead harmed the imposing nations.
President Vladimir Putin stated on Tuesday that the Russian economy has become more resilient and continues to grow, despite foreign pressure.
Addressing the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) in Moscow, Putin accused the West of using the Ukraine conflict as a pretext to eliminate Russia as a competitor.