Under Donald Trump, the US significantly reduced its participation in enforcing sanctions against Russia, European officials told Bloomberg. Washington representatives show little activity at meetings of international working groups established to control the supply of parts for weapons production or compliance with the G7 price cap on Russian oil.
It is unclear whether this is due to a lack of personnel or a conscious decision by the administration. According to the interlocutors, some meetings are attended only by junior department staff who lack the authority to make decisions.
However, the US has intensified sanctions in other areas, notes Bloomberg, especially regarding Iran. On Thursday, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on a Chinese oil refinery accused of receiving shipments of Iranian oil.
Washington has made it clear that sanctions will remain until the end of the war, and Trump has threatened to increase pressure on Moscow if negotiations are refused. However, according to agency sources, there are practically no signs of preparation for such a step, and it is unclear whether the US is taking any measures to combat the circumvention of existing restrictions. At the same time, easing some sanctions may be part of a future deal.