WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch The U.S. Sanctions Russian Oil Giants to Pressure Putin
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Oct 23, 2025 The podcast delves into the U.S. sanctions on Russian oil giants, aiming to cripple funding for Putin's war in Ukraine. Trump’s abrupt cancellation of a meeting with Putin raises questions about his negotiating tactics. Experts discuss the unrealistic demands from Russia and how sanctions could affect global oil markets. The conversation also highlights how countries like China and India may skirt sanctions while examining the political delays in enacting these measures. Overall, the urgency for consistent enforcement and the implications for U.S. energy leverage are explored.
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Trump's Repeating Deal-Then-Withdraw Pattern
- Donald Trump repeatedly oscillates between seeking a negotiated deal with Putin and rejecting talks when violence continues.
- Joe Sternberg and Paul Gigot conclude Trump's dealmaking instinct clashes with Putin's war aims, producing repeated reversals.
Cancelled Summit Cited As 'Waste Of Time'
- Trump canceled the Budapest meeting citing wasted meetings and lack of progress with Putin.
- He framed negotiation as necessary to stop thousands dying weekly, yet concluded talks weren't productive.
Sanctions Target Russia's Biggest Oil Producers
- The new U.S. sanctions target Rosneft and Lukoil to cut oil revenue funding Russia's war machine.
- Alicia Finley explains buyers risk losing dollar transactions and access to U.S. capital if they keep purchasing from those firms.