US Threatens New Sanctions on Russia's Energy Sector Amid Ukraine Peace Talks Stalemate

• The US is preparing new sanctions targeting Russia's energy sector if President Vladimir Putin rejects a Ukraine peace agreement.
• Potential sanctions could hit Russia's "shadow fleet" of oil tankers and traders facilitating oil deals.
• US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discussed this strategy with European ambassadors, emphasizing ending the Ukraine war.
• Ongoing peace talks between the US and Ukraine have made some progress on security guarantees, but major issues like territorial status and frozen assets remain unresolved.
• Europe is considering using Russia's frozen Central Bank assets for Ukraine, a move that angers Russia and could intensify economic pressure.

Why It Matters: US poised to impose new energy sanctions on Russia if peace talks fail, escalating economic pressure.