Recently, some media outlets have reported that the US has lifted all sanctions on Russia. However, upon closer analysis, only certain restrictions have been eased—specifically on several Russian tankers. The US Department of Treasury's website published a list of ships for which sanctions were lifted. Many media outlets circulated the news without verifying details. In reality, not all sanctions have been lifted and Russia’s economic situation remains tense: oil exports have halved and budget revenues dropped by over a billion dollars.
In response, Russian authorities threaten European countries, but lack real leverage. Oil exports from major Russian ports—Primorsk and Ust-Luga—have decreased twofold, while Urals prices have risen due to the conflict in Iran. This only partially compensates for Russia’s losses, as oil production costs increase and sanctions still bite.
Meanwhile, tensions are heightening internationally among the US, EU countries, and Russia. Western countries are not opening airspace for US military flights, and not all support continued sanctions pressure. Within the EU, providing Ukraine with additional financial support is hindered by the need for Ukrainian parliamentary approval and political agreements.
President Zelensky highlighted that Russia is using information pressure and demanding peace on unacceptable terms. Ukraine rejects ultimatums. Simultaneously, Ukrainian FPV drones are reaching new distances, while the Armed Forces continue to strike at enemy infrastructure.
The issues of further support from the US and Europe, weapons supplies, and funding remain priorities for Ukraine. Domestic political processes, parliamentary effectiveness, and transparency in using international aid are widely debated. The coming weeks will determine whether Ukraine gets a new financial aid package and if the sanctions situation against Russia changes.
