A Victory for Kyiv: US Sanctions Finally Hit Rosneft and Lukoil

Ukraine is celebrating a significant victory after the Trump administration announced it was sanctioning Russia’s two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil. The move marks a welcome shift in US policy for Kyiv.
The decision is the first major sanction against Russia under the new Trump administration. It signals a move away from pressuring Ukraine to accept territorial concessions and toward punishing Russia directly for its “refusal to end this senseless war.”
The sanctions were announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who called for an “immediate ceasefire.” He warned that “Treasury is prepared to take further action if necessary” to support Trump’s goal of ending the conflict.
The move was praised by European allies. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she had spoken with Bessent and welcomed the “clear signal” of “collective pressure,” noting the EU’s 19th sanctions package is also imminent.
The tougher stance was reinforced by President Trump’s cancellation of a planned summit with Vladimir Putin. Trump said the meeting “didn’t feel right” amid the lack of progress, further isolating Moscow.