The United States is poised to implement a new phase of sanctions against Russia in response to a significant aerial assault on Ukraine on September 7, 2025. This large-scale attack, which involved over 800 drones and numerous missiles, targeted critical infrastructure across Ukraine, marking the first time a government building in Kyiv was directly hit during the conflict.
President Donald Trump announced the readiness to enact a "second phase" of sanctions against Moscow following the devastating offensive. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for a robust international reaction, emphasizing the necessity of strong actions, including sanctions and stringent trade restrictions, to counter Russia's aggression. European leaders have also voiced strong condemnation; French President Emmanuel Macron described the attack as a move towards war and terror, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounced it as "cowardly." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen accused Russia of disregarding diplomatic efforts and international law.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that the United States might impose tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil, a strategy he believes could lead to the "complete collapse" of the Russian economy and compel President Vladimir Putin to negotiate. This approach aims to create a race between Ukraine's resilience and Russia's economic endurance. The effectiveness of such measures is highlighted by the fact that sanctions have already significantly impacted Russia's economy, with its GDP reportedly 10-12% below pre-invasion trends and personal disposable income down by 20-25%.
Despite Russia's attempts to circumvent sanctions through alternative trade routes, economic pressure is mounting, with key sectors facing component shortages and increased costs. The recent attack, which resulted in civilian casualties and widespread damage to residential buildings and infrastructure, represents a severe escalation. Russia maintains it targeted industrial and logistics sites, denying claims of targeting civilians, but the international community views this as a deliberate act of aggression.
Diplomatic efforts, including a prior meeting between President Trump and President Putin in Alaska in August 2025, failed to yield a ceasefire, further intensifying the resolve for stronger international action. The European Union is actively coordinating with the United States on further sanctions, reinforcing a unified stance against Russian aggression. This coordinated approach aims to isolate Russia economically and politically, thereby supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.