
President Joe Biden is under scrutiny for slapping new sanctions on Russia’s oil industry in the final days of his presidency, a move that critics argue is aimed at preventing President-elect Donald Trump from pursuing peace between Russia and Ukraine. The sanctions are expected to raise gas prices for Americans and further strain the economy.
Biden avoided directly answering why he delayed these sanctions until now, stating only that they would severely damage Russia’s economy and hinder President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine. His refusal to explain the timing has led many to believe this action was meant to create obstacles for Trump’s incoming administration.
Biden is using sanctions against Russia that he knows won’t work to create inflation and destabilise markets in advance of @realDonaldTrump and @JDVance taking the reins. This is a truly monstrous elite who do not remotely care about the American people. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/xdVxDI3zbQ
— Philip Pilkington (@philippilk) January 13, 2025
The sanctions target major Russian oil producers and over 180 oil tankers, crippling Russia’s ability to fund its military operations. This comes after Biden approved billions of dollars in military aid for Ukraine and gave permission for U.S.-supplied weapons to be used in strikes inside Russia.
US TREASURY SANCTIONS SOME RUSSIA OIL TANKERS
Biden waited until he is out of the White House to finally activate Russia sanctions because surging gas prices are now Trump's problem
— zerohedge (@zerohedge) January 10, 2025
Critics warn that Biden’s sudden escalation in economic warfare will make it harder for President Donald Trump to fulfill his promise to end the conflict. Trump has pledged to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table to stop the ongoing war, but Biden’s actions could make diplomacy more difficult.
Brent is up almost 2% and is above $81/b
– The Biden ignored sanctions on Russia, Iran, and Venezuela to prevent oil prices from rising before elections.– Now they lost, they do not care. The imposed sanctions left and right. pic.twitter.com/z8fQDYNbgB
— Anas Alhajji (@anasalhajji) January 13, 2025
WOKE'sters and the neocons. What strange bedfellows. And now Biden has decided to try and start WW3 with Russia and hobble the Trump America with hits that just keep coming. Increasing sanctions on Russian oil and thus increasing gas price here at home.https://t.co/kBcAU2PeMC…
— Angie Pratt (@ArkansasAngie) January 13, 2025
Oil prices surged more than 3% after news of the sanctions broke, signaling immediate consequences for Americans at the pump. While Biden claimed the increase would be limited to just a few cents, experts argue the impact could be far worse for struggling families.
Many see this move as a calculated attempt by Biden to entrench U.S. involvement in the conflict and restrict Trump’s ability to pursue a peaceful solution. By tightening economic pressure on Russia, Biden appears more focused on advancing his foreign policy goals than giving the incoming administration a fair chance to resolve the war.