Biden administration considers new sanctions on Russia's energy sector - media

As President Joe Biden approaches the final weeks of his term, his administration is contemplating significant new sanctions targeting Russia's energy sector, sources familiar with the matter have revealed.

These potential sanctions would represent a final push in the ongoing financial campaign against Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the conflict in Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

The proposed sanctions are designed not only to intensify economic pressure on Russia but also to provide the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump with greater leverage in future negotiations with Putin to end the war in Ukraine.

According to sources, the Biden administration aims to ensure that Trump's team will have strong negotiating tools in the delicate talks ahead.

However, the move to impose further sanctions comes with its challenges. One concern is the potential impact on global energy prices, with Biden wary of driving gas prices higher, even as he seeks to apply more pressure on Moscow. The administration is still weighing the full scope of the sanctions, with a focus on Russia’s energy exports and related financial activities.

Another potential measure being considered is the revocation of licenses for financial institutions involved in Russian energy transactions, which would further isolate Russia from global financial systems.

As Biden's time in office draws to a close, these deliberations signal a final push to increase economic isolation for Russia, while also preparing the groundwork for the next administration’s approach to the war in Ukraine.

By Vafa Guliyeva