Trump Considers New Sanctions on Russia’s Oil Tankers Amidst Tensions

Oil prices are experiencing volatility as discussions intensify regarding potential new sanctions on Russia’s oil operations. President Donald Trump is reportedly contemplating measures targeting Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers if the nation does not commit to a peace agreement with Ukraine by the deadline of Friday.

Despite numerous threats, the Trump administration has yet to implement new sanctions on Russia since taking office. The Russian economy is already significantly isolated from Western influence, as Moscow increasingly relies on support from key BRICS nations, particularly China and India. Both countries have indicated they will not alter their stance on Russian energy, even in the face of potential secondary sanctions from Washington.

According to the Financial Times, oil sales from this “shadow fleet” have become a crucial funding source for the Kremlin’s military operations. This fleet consists of vessels with opaque ownership structures that circumvent Western services such as insurance and logistics, complicating direct penalties on their owners. Nevertheless, recent efforts to impose sanctions on these ships have yielded some success.

Sources familiar with discussions within the White House indicate that sanctions on the shadow fleet are seen as a straightforward method to exert additional pressure on Russia. A third source close to the administration confirmed that broader sanctions, including those targeting the fleet, are currently under review.

The existing sanctions from the Biden administration already cover over 200 named Russian crude, chemical, and product tankers. Trump has reportedly refrained from expanding these measures, hoping to encourage a ceasefire in Ukraine. The deadline for Russia to respond is noted by sources cited in the Financial Times as Friday.

If implemented, further U.S. sanctions would complement similar actions taken by the European Union. Last month, the EU expanded its sanctions list, adding over 100 ships and raising the total to 415. Despite these measures, the sanctions have not deterred President Vladimir Putin‘s actions in Ukraine, including the ongoing “Special Military Operation.”

As the West grapples with its response, it appears to have exhausted many of its options. Sanctions have reached unprecedented levels, yet their effectiveness remains in question. From Moscow’s perspective, the ultimate solution rests on significant territorial concessions from Kyiv and a binding pledge from Ukraine to never join NATO. The government of President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected such terms.

In this complex geopolitical landscape, the actions taken by the Trump administration in the coming days could significantly impact not only oil prices but also the ongoing conflict and the global response to Russia’s military operations.