On October 27, US President Donald Trump announced new sanctions against Russian oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil, shortly after cancelling a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest. These sanctions follow a new escalation in Russia’s war against Ukraine, including a tragic bombing of a kindergarten in Kharkiv.
Trump noted he had spent 9 months trying to resolve the issue diplomatically with Putin, but these efforts led nowhere. In the interview, a political expert emphasized that economic pressure is the only effective tool against Russia: diplomatic gestures have failed to shift Moscow’s position. Putin had delayed strong US actions, but further escalation can now only be addressed by stronger sanctions. According to the expert, Russia’s goal is the complete occupation of Ukraine, and only severe economic restrictions may change the course of the war.
The international reaction includes tighter EU sanctions against Russia and expectations that India and China will reduce their purchases of Russian energy. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessin said the sanctions target Kremlin military funding and aim to push Moscow toward ending the war. There are ongoing diplomatic talks with China regarding Beijing’s possible role in the Ukraine-Russia conflict resolution.
The expert also highlighted the risk of the conflict expanding to Central Europe and the Baltics: violations of NATO countries’ airspace have already occurred. Hybrid warfare—ranging from political sabotage to local provocations—is likely. Europe is rapidly reducing its dependence on Russian energy, halting purchases of Russian gas and oil.
The cancelled Trump–Putin meeting, harsher rhetoric from both sides, and new sanctions all signal a lack of compromise and the likelihood of further escalation. According to the expert, Western economic pressure on Russia will grow, but the Kremlin will likely respond with increased aggression. The war appears set for a prolonged period, with Russia’s ability to sustain its economic potential a decisive factor for its continuation.
