US Prepares New Russia Sanctions Amidst Ukraine Peace Talks Stalemate

• The US is readying fresh sanctions on Russia's energy sector, targeting its "shadow fleet" and oil traders, if President Putin rejects a peace deal with Ukraine.
• These new measures could be unveiled as early as this week, with final approval resting with President Donald Trump.
• Discussions occur as US and Ukrainian negotiators made progress on a potential peace accord, despite sticking points like eastern Ukraine territories and frozen Russian assets.
• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discussed the plans with European ambassadors, emphasizing America's priority to end the war.
• Previous sanctions haven't altered Putin's strategy, but have strained Russia's economy and impacted crude prices, which briefly rose after this news.

Why It Matters: US threatens new energy sanctions on Russia to pressure Putin into a Ukraine peace deal.