The White House has declared that a new wave of sanctions against Russia will exert significant pressure on Moscow, hinting at President Donald Trump’s readiness to escalate measures. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the sanctions as “pretty hefty” on Thursday, noting reports of major Russian oil buyers like China and India reducing their purchases. She emphasized that these sanctions represent a “full court press” and are expected to inflict considerable economic harm. The administration’s move on Wednesday targeted Russia’s two largest oil companies, coupled with a demand for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine. When questioned about potential future sanctions, Leavitt indicated that any further decisions would rest with President Trump. She further explained to CNN that the cancellation of a planned meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin was a direct result of perceived insufficient Russian interest in advancing peace negotiations. Leavitt reiterated President Trump’s consistent stance on implementing sanctions when deemed necessary, stating that Wednesday marked such an occasion. She also highlighted the President’s long-standing frustration with Putin and both sides of the conflict, believing that genuine interest from both parties is crucial for a successful peace deal. President Trump himself confirmed the cancellation of the meeting, stating it “didn’t feel” productive for achieving the desired outcomes but suggested it could be revisited later. Leavitt clarified that a future meeting is not entirely off the table, but the administration seeks tangible positive results to ensure it’s a worthwhile use of the President’s time. While a call between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov revealed differing expectations, Leavitt stated this was not the sole reason for cancelling the summit, emphasizing the President’s priority on productive engagement. Concurrently, the European Union unveiled its 19th sanctions package against Russia, targeting key sectors like energy, finance, and military, aligning with US financial penalties against Moscow.
