Biden’s New Sanctions On Russia Seen As Last-Ditch Effort To Block Trump’s Peace Talks

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.

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.

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.

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.