
President Joe Biden is facing backlash for imposing severe new sanctions on Russia’s oil sector in the final days of his presidency, a move that critics argue is designed to obstruct President-elect Donald Trump’s promise to broker peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The sanctions are expected to further burden American consumers by driving up gas prices.
When questioned at a press conference, Biden refused to explain why he delayed implementing these sanctions, merely stating that they would significantly damage Russia’s economy and weaken President Vladimir Putin’s war efforts. This explanation has done little to ease concerns that the decision was politically motivated to complicate Trump’s efforts to deescalate the war.
Biden is using sanctions against Russia that he knows won’t work to create inflation and destabilise markets in advance of @realDonaldTrump and @JDVance taking the reins. This is a truly monstrous elite who do not remotely care about the American people. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/xdVxDI3zbQ
— Philip Pilkington (@philippilk) January 13, 2025
The sanctions target major Russian oil corporations and more than 180 vessels involved in transporting oil, cutting off a significant source of funding for Russia’s military. This aggressive move comes after Biden approved billions in military aid for Ukraine and permitted the use of U.S.-supplied weapons in strikes inside Russian territory.
US TREASURY SANCTIONS SOME RUSSIA OIL TANKERS
Biden waited until he is out of the White House to finally activate Russia sanctions because surging gas prices are now Trump's problem
— zerohedge (@zerohedge) January 10, 2025
Critics warn that these last-minute sanctions are designed to limit Trump’s ability to deliver on his campaign promise to end the war in Ukraine. President Donald Trump has pledged to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table to halt the ongoing violence, but Biden’s aggressive policies could make diplomacy more difficult.
Brent is up almost 2% and is above $81/b
– The Biden ignored sanctions on Russia, Iran, and Venezuela to prevent oil prices from rising before elections.– Now they lost, they do not care. The imposed sanctions left and right. pic.twitter.com/z8fQDYNbgB
— Anas Alhajji (@anasalhajji) January 13, 2025
WOKE'sters and the neocons. What strange bedfellows. And now Biden has decided to try and start WW3 with Russia and hobble the Trump America with hits that just keep coming. Increasing sanctions on Russian oil and thus increasing gas price here at home.https://t.co/kBcAU2PeMC…
— Angie Pratt (@ArkansasAngie) January 13, 2025
Oil prices reacted immediately to the news, climbing more than 3% and signaling higher fuel costs for Americans. Biden attempted to minimize the impact, claiming gas prices would only rise by three to four cents per gallon, but experts caution that the actual increase could be much greater, further straining household budgets.
Many believe Biden’s decision to escalate economic pressure on Russia reflects a calculated effort to trap the next administration in a deepening conflict. By expanding U.S. involvement in the war, Biden appears more focused on preserving his foreign policy agenda than allowing Trump to pursue a peaceful resolution.