US Introduces Sweeping Sanctions Against Russian Oil Majors and Key Industries

The United States has announced extensive sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector, focusing on two of the country’s largest oil companies, **Gazprom Neft** and **Surgutneftegaz**, as well as their subsidiaries.

The sanctions directly impact **Gazprom Neft** and **Surgutneftegaz**, major players in Russia’s oil industry, along with their associated companies. The move is aimed at disrupting Russia’s capacity to export oil and sustain its energy revenues.

Restrictions have been imposed on **183 oil tankers**, many of which are alleged to be part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a network of vessels used to evade existing sanctions by transporting oil under false pretenses or untraceable ownership structures.

The sanctions extend to entities involved in the production and export of **liquefied natural gas (LNG)**, as well as those in Russia’s **steelmaking, mining, and oil industries.**

Senior executives of **Rosatom**, Russia’s state nuclear corporation, have also been added to the sanctions list. This move reflects efforts to weaken Russia’s influence in the global nuclear energy market.

A high-ranking US official emphasized that the sanctions aim to undermine Russia’s ability to finance its activities, including its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, by restricting its energy and industrial output. By targeting key sectors and associated logistics, the US seeks to increase economic pressure on Moscow while limiting its capacity to circumvent earlier sanctions.

The sanctions are likely to intensify economic strain on Russia while causing ripple effects in global energy markets, particularly in oil and LNG supply chains. The measures also signal heightened scrutiny of entities and nations collaborating with Russian industries in violation of sanctions.

This development underscores escalating tensions between the US and Russia as Washington leverages economic tools to counter Moscow’s geopolitical maneuvers.