U.S. imposes new sanctions against major Russian oil companies

The U.S. Department of the Treasury reported the information.

The sanctions cover more than 400 individuals and organizations in Russia's energy sector that directly or indirectly support Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Specifically, the sanctions target Alexander Dyukov, the head of Gazprom Neft, the son of billionaire Vagit Alekperov, a co-owner of Lukoil, as well as Sergey Kudryashov, the head of Zarubezhneft.

The new sanctions also affect the Serbian company NIS, a subsidiary of Russia’s Gazprom Neft. Restrictions were also imposed on insurance companies, including Ingosstrakh and AlfaStrakhovanie.

According to the report, starting February 27, U.S. companies are prohibited from providing oilfield services in Russia.

The new sanctions also include measures complicating Russia's ability to circumvent the "price caps" on oil established by G7 countries.

The sanctions list includes 184 tankers, and access to remaining vessels of the company Sovcomflot has been restricted to prevent circumvention of international sanctions.

Additionally, Rosatom was also targeted: sanctions were imposed against 14 members of its board of directors, who support Russia’s military-industrial complex and are involved in the control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

The new sanctions also ban international companies from providing services related to oil extraction and transportation, and impose restrictions on LNG terminals, including Portovaya and Cryogas Vysotsk, which will reduce Russia’s export capabilities.

Zelenskyy's response

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked U.S. President Joe Biden for the newly announced sanctions package targeting over 400 entities connected to Russia’s energy sector.

"Bipartisan support from the United States is truly significant, and we feel it strongly. These measures significantly undermine the financial foundation of Russia's war machine by disrupting supply chains: key Russian producers, insurance companies, oil and gas service providers, 184 tankers of the shadow fleet, logistical facilities, and third-country companies," Zelenskyy emphasized.

According to him, sanctions against companies like Surgutneftegaz, which he called "a key financial wallet for Putin himself," play a crucial role.

"Such actions send a clear signal: criminals must pay for their crimes. The fewer revenues Russia receives from oil and other energy resources, the sooner peace will be restored," the president added.

• On December 24, WP reported that incumbent U.S. President Joe Biden was considering imposing new sanctions on Russia's energy sector in his final weeks in office.