Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
The Kremlin is expected to refuse the proposal, but this time, it could come at a high cost.
Monday, a new proposal for a peace deal was reached between Ukraine and its European allies.
It even included security guarantees for the wr-torn country from both the Euroean nations as well as the U.S., officials confirmed.
In a joint statement, European leaders welcomed Donald Trump’s efforts to secure “a just and lasting peace in Ukraine”, adding that part of the proposal is to have a European-led “multinational force Ukraine” to secure the Ukrainian skies, support sea safety and help regeneration of Ukrainian forces.
However, Russia has repeatedly refused to agree to any peace deal that would include NATO troops in Ukraine – and therefore, it is expectet that the Kremlin will once again shoot down the proposed plan for peace.
But this time, a “no” could hit Russia, where it really hurts.
U.S. preparing sanctions
According to Bloomberg News, the United States is preparing a fresh package of sanctions aimed at Russia’s energy sector if President Vladimir Putin refuses to accept a proposed peace arrangement with Ukraine.
The plans are still being finalized, people familiar with the discussions told the outlet.
Options being examined include measures against vessels linked to Russia’s so-called ghost fleet of oil tankers, as well as traders accused of helping Russian crude reach global markets, Bloomberg reported.
The measures could be unveiled as early as this week.
Reuters has tried to confirm the report, but neither The White House nor the U.S. State Department has responded to requests for comments.
The Kremlin responded on Wednesday by warning that new sanctions would undermine efforts to improve relations between Washington and Moscow.
Congress enters debate
As the administration reviews its options, lawmakers are also pushing for tougher action.
A bipartisan group of four senators introduced the Reducing Russian Oil Profits Act, known as the DROP Act, on December 16.
The bill was sponsored by Republican Dave McCormick, Democrats Elizabeth Warren and Chris Coons, and Republican Jon Husted.
According to a press release from the senators, tt would obligate President Donald Trump to impose sanctions within 90 days on any buyers, transporters or intermediaries involved in trading Russian oil products.
If enacted, the legislation would effectively bar Russian oil traders from access to the US financial system, significantly expanding existing restrictions.
Sources: Bloomberg News, Kyiv Independent, BBC, United States Senate Comittee, Reuters
