BG

WASHINGTON, April 26​ – Teh United states is prepared to‍ impose further⁢ sanctions ​on Russia in an effort to compel​ a resolution ‍to the conflict in⁢ Ukraine, but is first seeking⁢ a coordinated increase in ​pressure from European allies, according to senior U.S. officials.

The Biden governance believes a‌ unified and intensified sanctions ​regime is crucial​ to‍ limiting ⁣Russia’s‌ ability to finance and ​sustain its war effort.​ While Washington has already ‍levied a sweeping array of⁣ economic penalties,officials say maximizing the ⁤impact requires broader participation ‍and stricter enforcement from European nations,some ⁣of whom are more reliant on Russian energy supplies. This approach reflects​ a strategic calculation that maximizing economic pain on​ Moscow necessitates a transatlantic consensus.

The push for greater⁤ European alignment comes as Ukraine continues to plead for‌ increased military and financial⁤ assistance from its Western partners. The conflict, now in its third ​year, has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and triggered a major humanitarian crisis, displacing millions of ukrainians. The U.S. and its allies have‍ provided billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine, but officials ‌acknowledge that‌ a lasting⁣ resolution hinges on curtailing Russia’s capacity to wage war.

“We are constantly evaluating new sanctions authorities and targets,” a senior administration official told Reuters. ⁢”But⁣ the most effective path forward is⁢ one where we are‍ acting in lockstep with our allies. That multiplies the effect.”

Discussions with European⁢ counterparts are focused on⁣ closing loopholes in existing sanctions, targeting​ key sectors of the Russian economy – including energy, finance,⁣ and technology – and disrupting⁣ Russia’s access to ⁤critical goods and services. Some European officials have⁢ expressed concerns about the potential economic⁢ fallout from stricter measures, particularly regarding energy supplies.

The U.S. is working​ to address these concerns by exploring choice energy sources and providing economic support to mitigate the impact of sanctions. The administration maintains that the long-term costs⁢ of allowing Russia to continue its‌ aggression ⁣in Ukraine far outweigh the ⁤short-term ​economic challenges.