**US Considering Harsher Russian Oil Sanctions**
The Biden administration is thinking about imposing new and stricter sanctions on Russia’s oil industry. This could happen soon, before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
Russia relies heavily on oil revenues to fund its war efforts in Ukraine. Western countries have already imposed several rounds of sanctions on Russia, but the US is now considering even harsher measures.
The potential sanctions would target Russian ships that carry billions of dollars worth of oil and oil products. This could be announced soon, possibly before Trump’s inauguration in January.
**Background**
In February 2022, Russia started a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since then, Western countries have imposed several rounds of sanctions on Russia. The Biden administration has also taken steps to support Ukraine, including authorizing the use of US-supplied missiles for strikes inside Russia.
**New Developments**
The US is now considering new sanctions ahead of Trump’s inauguration in January. This comes as the White House rushes to deliver remaining military aid to Ukraine before Trump takes office.
On December 10, the State Department approved a $266 million foreign military sales package for Ukraine. This will help sustain services and repair Ukraine’s F-16 fighter jets.
**Other News**
* A Russian drone attacked an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) vehicle near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
* The number of Russian barges in the Kerch Strait has halved in a month, according to reports.
* The US Treasury Department announced $20 billion in loan assistance to Ukraine as part of a broader initiative supported by G7 countries.
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