Putin Arms Up as Trump Administration Pulls Back on Russia Sanctions!
Since Donald Trump took office as U.S. President in January, one thing is clear: sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine war have stalled, and some have even been eased! Is America backing down under pressure, or is this some other game?
Sanctions that once packed a punch are losing their bite
Analysts say existing sanctions are losing effectiveness. Why? Because new fake companies have emerged, funneling critical components like computer chips and military equipment to Russia. These components are vital for Russia’s military industry, and the Kremlin otherwise wouldn’t have access.
One such firm, HK GST Limited from Hong Kong, was founded just nine months ago and advertises chips essential for Russian cruise missiles, including those recently used in attacks on Kyiv that killed 10 civilians.
Trump’s administration: fewer sanctions on Russia, more on Iran and others
Unlike Biden’s administration, which imposed thousands of sanctions on Russia, Trump’s team has slowed new sanctions this year. Some sanctions were even quietly lifted, like those on Karina Rotenberg, wife of a Russian oligarch and Putin’s childhood friend.
However, Trump hasn’t stopped sanctions altogether — he ramped up pressure on Iran, the International Criminal Court, and criminal groups. But when it comes to Russia, his policy is confusing and contradictory.
Why is this a problem?
As Russia intensifies attacks in Ukraine, including missile and drone strikes that have killed dozens and damaged civilian infrastructure, Trump’s relative inaction and easing of sanctions give the Kremlin room to exploit the advantage on the battlefield.
Critics from both political parties in the U.S. say Trump’s administration is undermining Western efforts to counter Russian aggression.
How do sanctions work?
Economist Elina Ribakova puts it vividly: “To make sanctions work, you have to keep running just to stay in place.” That means constantly imposing new sanctions and tracking Russia’s evasions. But Trump’s administration has apparently stopped, allowing Russia to set up new companies and continue acquiring critical technology.
What’s next?
As Trump pulls back, the European Union is stepping up to lead sanctions on Russia, but their measures remain less comprehensive compared to the U.S.
Will Trump’s policy strengthen Putin and prolong the war in Ukraine? Or is this just part of a bigger strategy?
Either way, the world is watching and waiting — and you? What do you make of this strange sanctions dance? Is Trump really soft on Russia, or just playing his own game? Drop a comment, maybe together we’ll figure out what’s really going on!
Source: Kurir.rs, New York Times
