Biden Weighs Tougher Sanctions on Russia’s Oil Trade Amid Rising Tensions with Trump

The Biden administration is contemplating new, stricter sanctions targeting Russia’s oil trade as it seeks to further pressure the Kremlin’s war efforts, just weeks before Donald Trump is set to return to the White House. Details of the measures are still being finalized, but sources familiar with the discussions indicate that the restrictions may focus on Russian oil exports, including potentially targeting foreign buyers of its crude.

This shift comes after Biden’s team had previously resisted such action due to concerns over rising energy costs, especially during the lead-up to the presidential election. However, with oil prices falling amid a global oversupply and mounting fears that Trump might push Ukraine into a hasty peace deal with Russia, the administration is now more inclined to take stronger steps. The move underscores how Biden’s team is becoming more willing to confront Russia in its final weeks, especially as previous sanctions on Russia’s energy sector have shown mixed results.

The new sanctions could expand on existing measures, which already prohibit U.S. imports of Russian oil, by targeting Russia’s tanker fleet used to transport crude. The European Union is also considering similar actions, including sanctions on the “shadow fleet” and individuals involved in the trade. These sanctions could raise global oil prices, strain the economy, and create tensions with key global players like China and India, both major consumers of Russian oil.