The Trump administration has prepared a new package of sanctions against Russia but is holding off on implementing them immediately. Bloomberg reports this, citing European officials familiar with the situation.
According to agency sources, the restrictions will primarily affect Russia’s energy sector, including measures against the so-called “shadow fleet”—ships used to circumvent existing oil sanctions and transport Russian oil. Additional restrictions are also being considered for traders and companies facilitating the sale of Russian fuel.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on February 5 that Washington is considering increasing sanctions pressure, but the final decision will depend on progress in the Ukraine peace talks.
“We’ll see how the negotiations develop. Further steps depend on their progress,” Bessent noted, responding to a question about possible sanctions against the “shadow fleet.”
Preparation of a new package of restrictions began in late 2025. Sources emphasize that the sanctions are being positioned as a tool to pressure Moscow in the event of its refusal to engage constructively in conflict resolution or sabotage of the agreements.
Experts note that pressure on the Russian energy sector will intensify in February 2026: oil export revenues in January fell by approximately 50% compared to last year due to existing restrictions and increasing discounts on Russian crude.
There has been no official announcement of a new sanctions package. European diplomats expect the US to present them before February 24, a date symbolic in the context of the conflict in Ukraine.