Kathrine Frich
Paralyzing setback for Putin after Trump’s latest blow. Two countries historically tied to Moscow break away from Russia
Fresh sanctions from Washington are reshaping the balance of power in Eastern Europe, striking at the Kremlin’s economic foundation while prompting two long-standing partners of Moscow to pivot sharply away from Russian influence.
According to Ziare.com, citing The Telegraph, new measures targeting Rosneft and Lukoil are creating deep financial and political fractures for Vladimir Putin.
Influence unravels
The Telegraph reports that the sanctions have drained billions of dollars from Russia’s war budget, tightening pressure on Putin as he searches for ways to contain the fallout.
Analysts quoted by the outlet say the restrictions are forcing governments once aligned with Moscow to change course.
Igor Novakovic of the Center for International and Security Affairs in Belgrade told the publication:
“What we see here is a redrawing of spheres of interest.”
He added that Russia’s commercial reach, and the political leverage attached to it, is rapidly diminishing.
The sanctions followed an October 22 announcement by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who said the measures were imposed due to “Putin’s refusal to end this senseless war.”
Bulgaria breaks away
Lukoil’s vast presence in Bulgaria, including the country’s largest refinery and more than 200 fuel stations, posed a major economic risk once sanctions were activated.
To prevent a wider economic shock, Sofia took temporary control of the company.
The government appointed Rumen Spetsov, a former tax chief, as administrator and was given six months to prepare the sale.
Ruslan Stefanov of the Center for the Study of Democracy said: “Lukoil was the crown jewel of Russian influence in Bulgaria.”
Despite political divisions and an attempt by President Rumen Radev to block the move, lawmakers overrode his veto.
Serbia shifts course
Ziare.com notes that Serbia has long balanced ties between Moscow and Brussels, but the sanctions push is forcing Belgrade toward a decisive choice.
President Aleksandar Vučić is preparing to assume control of the NIS refinery, owned by Gazprom Neft and Gazprom.
Novakovic told the publication: “One way or another, it seems that the Russians and Gazprom are being thrown out.” He added that the shift will likely bring Serbia closer to the West.
Strategic losses
Emilia Zankina, a political scientist cited by The Telegraph, said Russia’s shrinking energy role in Eastern Europe “backs the Russians into a corner.”
While influence may not vanish entirely, she warned that it will be “curtailed” and could drive Moscow to rely more heavily on opaque networks.
The Telegraph adds that the sanctions’ domestic consequences may be even more severe, with Russia losing billions each month as its war economy strains under tightening restrictions.
Sources: Ziare.com, The Telegraph
