**US Officials Ready Sanctions on Russia, But Trump’s Approval Remains Unclear**
The United States is gearing up to impose new sanctions on Russia, targeting the country’s natural resources and banking sectors. According to Reuters sources, US officials have finalized a sanctions package aimed at increasing pressure on Moscow to accept a ceasefire deal proposed by President Donald Trump.
The measures are directed at state-owned energy giant Gazprom and other major Russian entities. However, it remains uncertain whether Trump will approve the sanctions, as the decision ultimately lies with him. A National Security Council official confirmed that any action would require Trump’s signature, while another US official stated that “it’s totally his call.”
**Escalating Tensions in Ukraine**
The timing of these potential sanctions comes as tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate. Moscow has been launching daily air attacks on Ukrainian residential areas and civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities and apartment buildings. The goal appears to be disrupting the lives of civilians.
Meanwhile, Trump has been pushing for ceasefire talks with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin. Despite this, Putin has shown little willingness to accept a peace deal. Former US envoy Kurt Volker told Reuters that Trump has “been bending over backwards” to give Putin opportunities to end the war, but Putin continues to reject these efforts.
**Shifting Stance on Ukraine**
Just last week, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Putin for the fourth time to discuss a peace framework. Under this proposal, Ukraine would cede four regions to Russia. However, just three days after this meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov restated Moscow’s maximalist terms, and Russia escalated its military operations.
This latest development suggests that Trump’s stance on Ukraine has shifted. His initial actions were seen as favorable to Moscow, but it now appears that he is taking a more aggressive approach in response to Putin’s refusal to accept ceasefire initiatives.
**The Waiting Game**
For now, the world waits with bated breath for Trump’s decision on the sanctions package. If approved, these measures would further isolate Russia and increase pressure on Moscow to accept a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, if Trump decides against the sanctions, it could embolden Putin to continue his aggressive actions in Ukraine.
As tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to rise, one thing is certain: the world is holding its breath for Trump’s next move.
