Kateryna Hirnyk13:24, 21.03.25

The US did not participate in several working groups created by allies to stop Russia’s attempts to circumvent sanctions.

European officials are accusing the administration of US President Donald Trump of reducing efforts to enforce sanctions against Russia, Bloomberg writes .

They said the US has largely not participated in several working groups set up by allies to stop Russia’s attempts to circumvent sanctions. 

For example, they argue that the United States has largely failed to respond to the actions of one group that is dedicated to preventing the Russians from obtaining parts and equipment used to make weapons. Another group, in which the United States has also ceased participation, is dedicated to monitoring and enforcing the price caps on Russian oil set by the Group of Seven.

Officials said it was unclear whether the U.S. had made an active decision to scale back its involvement or was simply short of key personnel. Some meetings were attended by lower-ranking officials who lacked decision-making authority.

Sanctions imposed on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine have become a major point of tension between Washington and Kiev’s European allies as President Donald Trump pushes for an end to the conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded an end to trade restrictions as a condition of any ceasefire, and the Europeans have made it clear they are not ready to accept that.

Trump has said he is prepared to tighten sanctions on Russia if Moscow does not engage seriously in peace talks. But European officials have said there has been no sign of preparations for such a move, and it is unclear what actions, if any, the United States is taking to combat circumvention of existing sanctions.

(C)UNIAN 2025