The administration of the U.S. President is preparing to implement new secondary sanctions against the Russian Federation and its so-called shadow fleet as early as August 8. This move aims to significantly restrict Russia’s ability to export energy resources and complicate the operation of oil tanker networks that circumvent international restrictions.
This is reported by Business • Media
New Sanctions: Details and Expected Impact
According to a White House representative, following a constructive meeting between U.S. Special Representative Steve Vitkoff and Russian leader Vladimir Putin on August 6, Russia expressed interest in further cooperation with the U.S. At the same time, the United States does not plan to delay the introduction of secondary sanctions, which are expected to take effect as early as Friday.
“Goods from any country that trades with Russia will be subject to a 100% import tax into the U.S. If the tariffs work, they will reduce the flow of Russian oil and gas to global markets.”
The new restrictions are expected to apply not only to goods but also to the transportation of Russian oil by other countries. The U.S. intends to monitor these shipments and does not rule out economic pressure on countries that violate the sanctions regime.
Pressure on the Shadow Fleet and Potential Expansion of Sanctions
Additionally, the U.S. administration is considering the possibility of imposing further sanctions on organizations and companies that service the shadow fleet of Russian oil tankers. There is also the possibility of implementing secondary restrictions on China if it facilitates the circumvention of sanctions or engages in trade with Russia in violation of international norms.
The presidential decree stipulates that the U.S. will closely monitor the import of Russian oil through third countries and will be able to impose sanctions against states involved in such operations.
Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the co-authors of the bill regarding secondary tariffs for buyers of Russian oil, emphasized that the country’s Congress is fully prepared to support these tough measures to counter Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and to stop financing the war.