In a significant policy shift, US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order easing sanctions on Russia’s energy sector, raising questions about the United States’ stance on the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. This move has sparked concerns over Washington’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, which continues to seek additional military and financial aid from its European allies.
The executive order comes after Congress passed legislation allowing the president to impose steep tariffs on major buyers of Russian oil and gas. These measures also targeted Russia’s energy and defense sectors and the shadow fleet of tankers used to bypass Western sanctions.
Simultaneously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on European Union leaders to sustain pressure on Moscow and bolster support for Kyiv. Following discussions in Brussels, Zelensky requested an additional €70 billion (approximately US$79 billion) in aid for the coming year and urged the provision of more Patriot air defense systems to fend off Russian attacks.
Relations between Washington and Kyiv have become increasingly strained. President Trump criticized Ukraine for ordering strikes on Russian oil refineries, while concerns have been raised about disruptions in satellite communications used by Ukrainian forces. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has denied that his company is behind the reported disruption, and a US official has refuted any involvement by Trump.
European leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine, with European Council President António Costa advocating for ongoing assistance and increased pressure on Russia. Other EU leaders are reviewing Ukraine’s additional funding needs, while the EU is currently disbursing funds from a €90 billion loan to support Ukraine’s financial requirements through 2027. Despite these efforts, Ukrainian officials warn of a significant funding gap due to persistent Russian attacks on its economy and infrastructure.
There have been renewed discussions about using approximately €200 billion in frozen Russian central bank assets to aid Ukraine’s defense and recovery. However, this proposal faces opposition, particularly from Belgium, where most of these assets are held.