The European Union is planning similar measures on Russia’s shadow fleet before the end of the year.

Summary

The Biden administration is considering new sanctions on Russia’s oil exports and shadow tanker fleet to further weaken its economy and war efforts before Trump takes office.

These measures aim to bolster Ukraine’s leverage in potential negotiations as Trump has signaled interest in a quick resolution to the war.

While targeting Russian crude buyers—similar to sanctions on Iranian oil—could pressure Russia, it risks spiking global oil prices and straining ties with major importers like China and India.

Biden’s shift reflects urgency to constrain Putin before U.S. policy potentially shifts under Trump.