US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the need for new sanctions against Russia and its energy partners, stating they could potentially collapse the Russian economy. His remarks followed a large-scale Russian military attack on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, demonstrating President Putin's determination to continue the war despite international threats.
However, experts note that there are almost no effective sanction tools left for the US and the EU. Russia's economy is sustained by oil exports purchased by China, India, and Brazil. Recent attempts to restrict these countries' cooperation with Russia have had little effect: India has even increased its Russian oil imports, and Brazil remains supportive of Moscow amid political tensions with Washington.
Efforts to impose tariffs on China have also failed, as Chinese retaliation poses a significant risk to the US economy, leading the Trump administration to postpone further measures. As a result, even in theory, new sanctions are unlikely to stop these countries from buying Russian oil.
Global South countries support Russia's economy for both economic and political reasons, using it as leverage against the West. A Russian victory would seriously undermine the US and EU's geopolitical roles.
Analysts stress that by seeking external scapegoats, the Trump administration complicates the situation. Genuine support for Ukraine would require more direct military aid, which has not materialized. Announcements of new sanctions, which are unlikely to be effective in current circumstances, serve as political justification instead.
