The United States is preparing new steps to lift sanctions against the Russian Federation, including measures targeting the tanker fleet and the gas sector. Concurrently, Washington is demanding that the Ukrainian side halt its strikes on Russian oil refineries without offering real guarantees or compensation in return.
US Stance and Demands on Kyiv
According to informed sources, preparations for easing sanctions pressure involve not only logistics and energy resources but may also affect individual companies and persons. Meanwhile, the Washington administration insists on halting drone attacks by Ukraine on Russian refining facilities. According to Ukrainian representatives, such demands are made without reciprocal steps from the US, raising serious concern within government circles.
Energy Deals and Turkey's Position
Earlier, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayrakhtar confirmed that Ankara received a portion of Russian diesel fuel under agreements between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The Turkish side did not disclose exact supply volumes. At the same time, US Energy Minister Chris Wright described the deal as an incentive for Moscow, emphasizing that Russia will only realize real benefits if it reduces domestic consumption or optimizes military expenses.
Concerns of the Ukrainian Leadership
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concern that the concluded fuel deal will set a precedent for further concessions and sanctions relief. According to him, following the diesel agreement, Washington may move on to gas contracts and lift restrictions in the banking sector, chemical industry, and concerning frozen assets. In an interview with Western media, he noted that such actions undermine Kyiv's position and create a threat of new compromises at the expense of Ukrainian interests.
Prospects for Future Developments
The emerging trend toward revising US sanctions policy demonstrates a shift in Washington's approach to resolving the conflict. Future developments will depend on the willingness of the US administration to take Ukraine's position into account when concluding energy and economic agreements with Moscow, as well as on the Ukrainian leadership's response to demands to halt strikes on strategic facilities in the Russian Federation.
