Reuters World News Trump’s sanctions gambit with Putin
Oct 23, 2025
Joining the discussion are Jeff Mason, a seasoned White House reporter for Reuters; Abhirup Roy, who covers the U.S. auto industry; and Josh Smith, the Korea bureau chief. They dive into Trump's sanctions on Russian oil companies aimed at pressuring Putin over Ukraine. The conversation shifts to Russia's nuclear drills, showcasing its defiance. Smith highlights North Korea's hypersonic missile tests and their regional implications. Lastly, Roy discusses Elon Musk's ambitious $1 trillion pay package and its potential impact on the auto industry.
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Sanctions As A Negotiation Lever
- The U.S. unexpectedly sanctioned Russia's two biggest oil firms to pressure Putin toward talks.
- Jeff Mason says Trump genuinely wants to end the war but may reverse course if he hears from Putin.
Russia's Strategic Military Signal
- Russia staged nuclear-capable drills, launching missiles from land, sea and air as a show of force.
- The drills included long-range bombers over the Baltic Sea, signaling escalation to NATO states.
North Korea's Harder-To-Intercept Missiles
- North Korea tested hypersonic missiles that are more maneuverable and harder to shoot down.
- Josh Smith warns these weapons can carry conventional or nuclear warheads and shorten response windows for neighbors.