President Donald Trump is playing a risky card: if energy prices rise or the unity of allies fractures after the announcement of new sanctions against Russia, he himself could end up in a bind.
Rosneft and Lukoil are "the twin engines pumping money through Russia's military veins," writes journalist David Blevins in an analysis for Sky News. Washington presented sanctions against these two Russian state companies as an attempt to "reduce the Kremlin's ability to generate revenue for its war machine."
"Oil is Russia's lifeblood, and Trump's Treasury has just cut off its circulation," notes Sky News.
But every blow in the ring carries the risk of self-inflicted pain: by strangling the Russian oil sector, the American president also applies pressure to the global market, and American gas stations could feel the strain.
The White House is betting that the geopolitical benefits will ultimately outweigh the domestic negative effects. "These are extraordinary sanctions, and I hope they won't last long," said Donald Trump. This combination of "bravado and prudence" perfectly sums up his approach: maximum pressure, but with a careful eye on home prices.
Europe, Alongside Washington
The European Union has hastened to reflect the American position, adding its own restrictions on oil imports and closing gaps in the maritime transport system.
Brussels is thus sending a clear message: it stands with Trump, and the Western alliance remains united.
On both sides of the Atlantic, however, it is known that Moscow will seize any opportunity to slip through the cracks.
Rutte, "The Loyal Ally"
The meeting at the White House with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte provided the perfect diplomatic backdrop for the show of force. Trump reiterated that he canceled the planned summit with Vladimir Putin because he "did not want to make an unnecessary trip."
Rutte, in the role of the devoted ally, emphasized twice that "the American president is the only one who can see this through."
When asked if his visit was a sign that Trump's meeting with Zelensky last Friday was a failure, Rutte downplayed the idea. It would not be the first time that the Dutch official - who once referred to Trump as "Daddy" - would calm spirits.
Putin Rejects Conditions
Moscow's refusal to accept the terms imposed by Washington has put on hold plans for a new summit between Trump and Putin.
At the same time, China could take advantage of the situation: its diplomatic influence over Russia gives it a significant advantage ahead of the trade discussions between Trump and Xi Jinping scheduled for next week.
Trump's announced sanctions are more than a punishment; they are a strategic maneuver intended to push Putin into a corner. But the margin of error is extremely small.
If energy prices skyrocket or if Western solidarity crumbles, the American president could find himself "in a bind," concludes the British publication.