US sanctions policy towards Russia is undergoing fundamental changes. According to the updated version of the Sanctioning Russia Act 2026, Washington is abandoning the model of political signaling in favor of strict systemic economic pressure. This was stated by Vladyslav Vlasyuk, the President of Ukraine's Commissioner for Sanctions Policy, in an exclusive comment to RBC-Ukraine.
Expansion of the list of individual restrictions
The new approach implies not just expanding the list of individuals subject to restrictions, but also changing the logic of their selection. Individual sanctions now target not only the top political and military leadership of the Russian Federation, but also a wide range of individuals involved in circumventing restrictions, money laundering, and human rights violations.
Special attention is paid to destabilizing the situation in Ukraine. Shareholders of Russian LNG projects, owners of vessels of the so-called "shadow fleet," and related structures are under attack. The main tools remain asset freezes and visa restrictions, which, according to experts, remain traditional but effective methods of influence.
Blow to funding sources
A key element of the bill is sectoral sanctions designed to cut off the main financial arteries of the Russian economy. Key players in the financial sector are at risk, including the Central Bank of Russia, Sberbank, VTB, and Gazprombank.
The energy sector is also becoming the object of close attention. The document provides for a direct ban on US investment in Russian energy. Vladyslav Vlasyuk emphasized the importance of this point, reminding that as late as last August, the possible return of the American company Exxon Mobil to the "Sakhalin-1" project was discussed. The adoption of the new law will make such a scenario impossible.
In addition, a ban on the export of US energy resources and energy products to the Russian Federation, as well as the import of Russian uranium, is planned. Sanctions will be scaled up regarding the "Yamal LNG" and "Arctic LNG" projects, affecting their managers and key shareholders.
Fighting sanctions evasion and secondary measures
One of the most significant aspects of the bill is the strengthening of liability for sanctions evasion. The goal is to destroy the mechanisms that the Kremlin uses to adapt to existing restrictions. Without blocking these channels, according to Vlasyuk, even the toughest measures eventually lose effectiveness.
The bill also increases pressure on Russia's trading partners. The most tangible tool here is secondary measures, which provide for the introduction of additional duties for countries that continue to import Russian energy carriers or help circumvent sanctions.
In the new compromise version, the maximum rate of such duties is set at 100%, which is a reduction compared to the previously proposed 500%. However, the general logic remains unchanged: to raise the economic price of cooperation with Russia for third countries to a level where such partnership becomes unprofitable.
Strategic significance for allies
Vladyslav Vlasyuk noted that this bill is important not only for its specific points, but also for its comprehensive approach, which should systematically increase the cost of Russian aggression. The document serves as a guide for other allies of Kyiv, emphasizing that only coordinated and determined pressure can significantly limit Russia's ability to finance the war.
Work on the bill continues, and it is advisable to draw final conclusions after its adoption. Nevertheless, it is already clear that Washington is moving towards creating a stricter and more comprehensive system of restrictions aimed at the long-term weakening of Russia's economic base.
