The European Union has delayed the unveiling of its 19th sanctions package against Russia due to pressure from the United States. The US is advocating for stricter restrictions, including 100% tariffs on Russian oil purchased by China and India. The G7 is currently developing a new sanctions package with the goal of finalizing it within the next two weeks. The US proposal puts additional pressure on the EU, particularly as some member states depend on these export markets.
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In his evening address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged international partners, including the US, Europe, the G7, and the G20, to cease finding excuses for not imposing sanctions on Russia, specifically targeting the energy trade. Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity of pressuring Russia in all jurisdictions and expressed hope for “strong steps” from the United States, including robust sanctions and tariff policies. He also revealed Ukraine’s plan to intensify “deep strikes” on Russian territory, highlighting that the funding and strategies for this action are already in place.
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On September 13th, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated he would impose “major” sanctions on Russia if all NATO members ceased buying Russian oil. He also proposed that NATO members place tariffs ranging from 50-100% on China to further pressure Russia, emphasizing the importance of China’s influence. While Trump has previously threatened sanctions, he has been slow to enact them, although he did implement a tariff on India. Despite condemnation from Brussels, some European nations continue to rely on Russian oil imports, highlighting the complexities of reducing dependence on Russian energy sources.
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Trump says he won’t impose sanctions on Russia until NATO says goodbye to Russian oil. Okay, let’s unpack this. It’s a statement that feels both predictable and, honestly, a bit childish. We’ve seen this pattern before, haven’t we? Promises of tough action followed by…well, the opposite. The whole thing feels like a negotiation tactic, but a particularly flimsy one at that.
This stance is particularly interesting when considering the potential motives behind it. The logic appears to be: if some NATO members are still buying Russian oil, then the US won’t impose sanctions. Essentially, it’s a conditional stance. The implication seems to be that the US is unwilling to bear the sole burden of hurting Russia.… Continue reading
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that the U.S. would be more aggressive with sanctions against Russia if European countries stopped importing Russian oil and gas, instead sourcing American alternatives. This call aligns with a U.S.-EU trade agreement, requiring Europe to purchase $750 billion of U.S. energy resources by 2028, and would hinder Russia’s ability to fund its war effort. In response, European Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen confirmed the EU’s goal to phase out Russian energy imports by 2027, emphasizing the importance of energy security and independence. Despite current pledges and proposed bans, the bloc still imports significant amounts of Russian fossil fuels, though further sanctions packages are being considered.
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Trump ready for second stage of sanctions on Russia over Ukraine conflict? Well, buckle up, because according to what’s circulating, we’re supposedly on the cusp of a second round. The big question here is, how seriously should we take this? Considering everything that has been said, I am finding it hard to trust anything at this point. Promises seem to be made and then… well, we’ll see. It’s like that old saying, “talk is cheap,” and in this case, we’re hearing a lot of it.
It’s worth remembering how everything has played out so far. Didn’t we hear something about this happening in two weeks?… Continue reading
The Trump administration announced plans to impose a 50% tariff on Indian products, as indicated in a draft notice released on Monday. This action signals the White House’s intention to escalate trade measures, coinciding with potential challenges in ongoing peace negotiations. The Department of Homeland Security’s notice specified that the increased tariffs would apply to Indian goods entering the US market on or after August 27, 2025. This policy reflects the administration’s commitment to its trade agenda.
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As Western sanctions cripple Russia’s aviation sector, Moscow is seeking partnerships with African nations, particularly Ethiopian Airlines. Russian officials have proposed a cooperation package with the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, including wet-leasing aircraft and supplying aviation equipment. This move comes after a 2024 agreement expanded aviation ties, as Russia’s aging fleet faces maintenance challenges. While this partnership could help Russia circumvent sanctions and boost Ethiopia’s aviation ambitions, it may lead to diplomatic scrutiny.
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UK targets 135 Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tankers with fresh sanctions, a move that’s certainly grabbing attention. It’s encouraging to see action being taken to address this complex issue, and the aim is clear: to further squeeze Russia’s economic lifeline. The impact of such sanctions is, of course, a subject of debate, but the intent to disrupt the flow of funds that support the war effort is undeniable.
If we’re talking about really putting the pressure on, the idea of seizing these tankers comes up. The UK has a long naval tradition, so one can imagine the sort of resources they could bring to bear if they decided to deploy their forces in an attempt to seize these ships.… Continue reading
The European Union recently approved its 18th sanctions package against Russia, described as one of the strongest to date, in response to the ongoing aggression in Ukraine. Key components of the package include lowering the price cap on Russian oil, targeting Russia’s “shadow fleet,” and imposing restrictions on the Russian banking system and Nord Stream gas pipelines. Additionally, the sanctions extend to the Russian defense and finance sectors, entities involved in indoctrinating Ukrainian children, and tighten restrictions on oil product imports via third-party countries. President Zelensky and other European leaders have welcomed the decision, emphasizing the importance of applying pressure to Russia.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood