The US continues restrictions against Russia and signals a tougher sanctions policy without long-term easing. Ukraine records a more constructive position of American partners after talks in Washington. At the same time, Europe declares that it will maintain military aid despite the aggravation in the Middle East.
The US estimates Russia's income from the easing of sanctions at $ 2 billion
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant said, that Russia could receive about $ 2 billion in income from the temporary easing of sanctions. According to him, this is oil that was already at sea at the time of the decision. This was done to stabilize world energy prices. The US directed these volumes to allies instead of traditional buyers.
“They would have sold the Russian barrels that were already on the water. These barrels were going to China anyway. We pushed them to our allies and helped stabilize the price of oil.”
Bessent stressed that this step was temporary and does not envisage an extension. “We will not renew the general licenses for Russian and Iranian oil.” According to him, all the oil that fell under these conditions has already been sold.
He stressed that market stability has a priority in the short term. At the same time, the US does not plan long-term easing of sanctions. The policy of restrictions remains unchanged.
Zelensky called for not winding down the PURL program amid statements in the US
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said about the critical importance of continuing the PURL program for supplying weapons to Ukraine. His statement came against the background of comments by the US vice president about a possible reduction in funding. Zelensky stressed that Ukraine uses European funds to purchase American weapons. The program is coordinated at the NATO level.
“I hope that the United States will not stop supplying us with scarce systems. This is key for us. We are using European money, not American, for this (weapons purchase – ed.). The president stressed that the mechanism is important not only for Ukraine, but also for the United States.
Zelensky linked possible risks for the program with escalation in the Middle East. According to him, this may affect the distribution of US resources and priorities. At the same time, he stressed the importance of unity between partners. The PURL program is considered an element of this coordination.
The United States has extended the ban on the entry of Russian ships into its ports
US President Donald Trump extended the effect of restrictions on the entry of Russian ships into American ports for another year. This decision is based on the extension of the state of emergency imposed due to Russia's actions. Such restrictions were first introduced in 2022 by the Joe Biden administration. They provide for control over the movement and parking of vessels associated with Russia.
The new document notes that the threat to US international relations from Russia persists. This is the reason for the extension of the restrictions. The notification of the decision was officially sent to the US Congress. The restrictions remain part of a broader sanctions policy against Russia. They are aimed at complicating logistics and international trade. In particular, they are about restricting access to key port infrastructure.
Svyrydenko announced increased US support and a tough stance on sanctions against Russia
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliya Svyrydenko reported on the change in the mood of American partners after a visit to the US, describing the negotiations as more constructive. According to her, the key topic was preventing the easing of sanctions against Russia and the need to strengthen control over their implementation. She met with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, during which she conveyed Ukraine’s position on sanctions pressure. Issues of financial support and cooperation with the IMF were also discussed.
“I think Secretary Bessent supports Ukraine and stands up for Ukraine… It was a very friendly discussion, and he is very supportive. I think all our colleagues here in the United States… understand this perfectly well: that preventing the circumvention of sanctions, as well as strengthening sanctions, is an extremely important measure.” Svyrydenko noted that an IMF mission is expected to arrive in Kyiv and possible progress in negotiations on an $8 billion loan. She also linked the results of the elections in Hungary to the prospects of unblocking EU sanctions and macro-financial assistance. “My first feeling after two days is that the situation has changed.”
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of European integration and the expectation of faster decisions from partners. She emphasized that Ukrainians feel part of the European Union. The issue of the Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund was also raised. According to Bessent, this mechanism is a key element of the country's recovery.
Europe promises not to reduce support for Ukraine amid war in Iran
Ukraine’s European allies have announced their intention to maintain continued military support for Kyiv, despite the global focus shifting to the conflict over Iran. At a meeting in Berlin of about 50 countries coordinating aid to Ukraine, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stressed:
“We must ensure that we are able to provide continued support to Ukraine… We cannot lose sight of Ukraine.”
The countries stressed that the war in the Middle East should not affect the volume of aid to Ukraine, which continues to be under constant attack. British Defense Secretary John Healey was blunt:
“In recent weeks, attention has been focused on the Middle East, and Putin wants us to be distracted… but the Ukrainians continue to fight with great courage, and nothing will distract us from supporting them as much as is necessary to achieve peace.”
Several European defense ministers have announced new aid packages, and NATO expects to reach $60 billion in military support for Ukraine this year. Meanwhile, peace talks have effectively been suspended due to the war in Iran.
Ukraine, for its part, has stressed the critical need for air defense systems and ammunition amid shortages caused by global events. Separately, new defense projects have been announced, including the joint production of drones and missiles, as well as the supply of hundreds of Patriot missiles to strengthen the defense of Ukrainian cities.
Photo: REUTERS/Magnus Lejhall/TT News Agency
Author: Danylo Pievchev