In a major geopolitical move, U.S. President Donald Trump announced sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies — Rosneft and Lukoil — aiming to pressure Moscow to end the war in Ukraine. This marks the first Ukraine-related sanctions imposed by Trump in his second term. Responding sharply, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed the sanctions as “unfriendly,” asserting they would not significantly impact Russia’s economy or energy sector. Putin warned that disrupting global energy markets could drive up prices, affecting countries like the U.S. ahead of its internal political season. Reacting to Putin’s remarks, Trump said, “I’m glad he feels that way — let’s see how it works out in six months.” The standoff signals renewed U.S.–Russia tensions.

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