Nigeria TV Info — United States Imposes Major Sanctions on Russia’s Top Oil Companies to Push for Ukraine Peace Deal

Washington, D.C. — October 23, 2025

The United States government has unveiled sweeping new sanctions targeting Russia’s two largest oil companies, in what officials describe as a decisive move to pressure Moscow into serious peace negotiations over the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The announcement came just a day after U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that his long-planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest had been postponed indefinitely.

“Every time I speak to Vladimir, I have good conversations and then they don’t go anywhere,” Trump told reporters at the White House.

Although experts predict that the immediate economic impact on Russia will be limited, the sanctions represent a major policy shift for President Trump, who had previously resisted taking harsh measures against Moscow until European nations significantly reduced their dependency on Russian oil.

The Kremlin has dismissed the new sanctions, declaring that Russia’s economy is “immune” to such actions and accusing Washington of using economic coercion to influence its foreign policy.

Trump’s administration has long tried to position the United States as a neutral mediator in the Russia–Ukraine conflict, a stance that contrasts with former President Joe Biden’s firm pro-Ukraine policy. However, sources close to the White House say Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with Moscow’s refusal to advance peace talks.

Speaking on Wednesday, President Trump said he hoped the sanctions would “force a breakthrough” in negotiations, adding, “I just felt it was time. We waited a long time.”

He described the sanctions package as “tremendous,” but expressed optimism that it could be lifted soon if Russia agreed to halt military operations and engage in a credible peace process.