Episode 518: Russia Round Up: Sanctions, Strategy, and the Next Phase of Pressure

Today, Jess, Martha, Les, and Matt break down the newest wave of U.S. sanctions targeting Russian oil exports — measures designed to cut off Russia’s funding for war in Ukraine. The package includes new secondary sanctions aimed at major buyers like India and China. India is signaling a possible rethink of its Russian oil purchases, Europe is weighing the use of frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine, and — for the first time in months — the U.S. and its allies seem aligned on a tougher, coordinated economic strategy.

Will this escalation of targeting Russia’s oil exports finally dent its war machine? Or has Russia already perfected the art of sanctions evasion? If these economic measures are paired with renewed military support for Ukraine, could that combination finally shift momentum on the battlefield?

More information on today’s topic: 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd6758pn6ylo 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/10/23/russia-nuclear-subs-western-technology-surevillance/ 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/10/23/eu-frozen-russian-money-ukraine/ 

@nottvjessjones

@lestermunson

@marthamillerdc

@WMattHayden

Like what we're doing here? 

Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. 

And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!

We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/RmkPm4F-3Rs 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.