Senators Demand Renewed Sanctions on Russian Energy Exports

Democratic U.S. senators called on Trump officials to reinstate targeted sanctions on Russian energy supplies, expressing concerns that the current approach allows China to purchase Russian liquefied natural gas, indirectly supporting the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

President Donald Trump, although critical of Russian President Vladimir Putin's lack of progress toward a peace agreement with Ukraine, has not imposed direct sanctions on Russian energy entities during his second term. He has, however, applied 25% tariffs on imports from India due to their acquisition of Russian oil.

The Arctic LNG 2 project in Russia, begun in late 2023, is delayed due to sanctions and logistical issues. Despite this, it has managed to ship LNG cargoes to China. Senators including Elizabeth Warren and others emphasized that not enforcing sanctions effectively encourages more purchases, bolstering Russian financial resources. They demanded responses from the State and Treasury departments regarding potential sanctions and strategies to discourage further purchases by major energy importers.

(With inputs from agencies.)