Bloomberg: US prepares more sanctions on Russia
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has developed additional sanctions against Russia, but there is no sign of them being implemented, undisclosed European officials told Bloomberg.
In December 2025, reports indicated that the sanctions could target Russia’s energy sector, including the so-called shadow fleet and traders facilitating Russian oil exports that bypass Western restrictions.
The plan was reportedly developed in case Russia refused to sign a peace treaty with Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the European Union is preparing its new, 20th package of sanctions, which is expected to include measures against Russia by February 24 — the anniversary of the start of hostilities in Ukraine.
"Russian attacks on other civilian targets including the railway network continue unabated. More than a dozen people were killed on Sunday [February 1] when a Russian drone struck a bus transporting mine workers in central Ukraine," the EU officials said.
With the temperature plunging and blackouts persisting, Europe worries how long Ukraine can hold out.
On February 2, Bloomberg reported that the EU was considering banning Russian imports of several platinum group metals and copper as part of its latest sanctions package. The restrictions may cover iridium, rhodium, platinum and copper, according to people familiar with the matter.
The ban is planned amid tight markets for the targeted metals. Copper prices have hit record highs this year amid strong demand and constrained mine supply worldwide. Platinum also continues to experience a supply deficit.
If adopted, the new restrictions would mainly target MMC Norilsk Nickel PJSC, Russia’s largest mining company, which has not been sanctioned. Also part of the package under discussion is a proposal to replace the current price cap on Russian oil with a ban on maritime services.
The move could see European companies prohibited from providing services such as insurance and transportation needed to move Russia’s oil regardless of the price of the commodity.
By Khagan Isayev
editor@caliber.az
+994 55 444-88-98
Азербайджан, Баку, ул. Низами, 203, Af Business House, 5-й этаж