US Warns Buyers of Russian Oil Will Face Secondary Sanctions

The United States will expand its pressure campaign on Moscow by imposing secondary sanctions on countries that continue to buy Russian oil, US ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said on Monday. Whitaker told reporters that the measures are intended to curb revenues that help finance Russia’s war in Ukraine by penalising banks, insurers and other entities facilitating crude purchases. Whitaker’s remarks echo President Donald Trump’s warning earlier in the day that Russia has a 50-day window to advance peace talks or face tariffs of up to 100% and additional penalties on nations supporting its energy trade. Speaking alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump said the planned steps aim to tighten enforcement of existing sanctions and close loopholes that allow Russian oil to reach global markets.