New G7 Sanctions Target Russian Oil,US backs Ukraine Refinery Strikes
WASHINGTON D.C. - October 2, 2025 – The Group of Seven nations announced a new wave of sanctions aimed at curtailing Russia’s oil revenue, coupled with explicit U.S. support for Ukrainian efforts to directly target Russian oil refineries. The coordinated action, unveiled today, seeks to further restrict Moscow’s ability to finance its war in Ukraine by disrupting its energy sector, a critical component of the Russian economy.
These measures represent a meaningful escalation in Western efforts to pressure Russia, moving beyond broad economic sanctions to directly impede its military capabilities. The sanctions package includes stricter enforcement of the price cap on Russian oil, aiming to close loopholes and prevent circumvention, alongside commitments to disrupt the supply chain supporting Russia’s energy production. Simultaneously, the United States has reportedly given Ukraine a green light to utilize Western-supplied weaponry to strike oil refineries within Russia, a policy shift intended to diminish Russia’s capacity to fuel its war machine.
The G7’s actions follow increasing concerns that Russia is adapting to existing sanctions and finding choice markets for its oil, particularly in Asia. Officials estimate Russia continues to generate substantial revenue from oil sales, despite the price cap, and that these funds are being used to sustain its military operations in Ukraine. The U.S. decision to authorize strikes on refineries reflects a growing belief that degrading Russia’s energy infrastructure is essential to weakening its war effort.
“We are resolute to cut off the financial oxygen that fuels Putin’s war,” stated a senior U.S. Treasury official. “These sanctions and the support for Ukraine’s defensive actions are designed to make it more arduous and costly for Russia to continue its aggression.”
Ukraine has previously refrained from targeting Russian energy infrastructure with Western-supplied weapons, fearing escalation. However,with the explicit backing of the U.S., Kyiv is now expected to intensify these attacks. Experts predict this could lead to significant disruptions in Russia’s oil production and refining capacity, potentially impacting global energy markets.
The Kremlin has condemned the new sanctions as ”illegal” and vowed to retaliate, raising concerns about further escalation of the conflict. The long-term impact of these measures remains to be seen, but they signal a renewed commitment from the West to intensify pressure on Russia and support Ukraine’s defense.
