US President Donald Trump has delayed support for a new round of sanctions against Russia, saying they are too costly for the United States and that he wants to see if a peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv can be reached first. His position has caused a rift with other G7 leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, who are pushing ahead with new punitive measures.

Trump says sanctions are expensive and not one-sided

According to BBC and Suspilne, Trump told journalists during the G7 summit in Canada that he was not ready to support additional sanctions. When asked why the US was not taking unilateral action, Trump said it is because he was “waiting to see whether or not a deal” could be agreed between Ukraine and Russia.

He also mentioned the financial burden of sanctions on the US economy as another excuse. Trump said that “sanctions cost [the US] a lot of money” for the US. “You’re talking about billions and billions of dollars. Sanctions are not that easy. It’s not just a one-way street,” he claimed.

Russia kills 14, injures 114 with missiles and drones in Kyiv as G7 leaders meet in Canada and Trump rejects sanctions (updated)

Politico also reported Trump’s earlier remarks at the summit, where he said Europeans should “do it first” and repeated concerns over the economic cost.

The US President left the summit early on 16 June, ahead of a joint G7 session with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy scheduled for 17 June.

Starmer and Macron back tougher measures despite US hesitation

In contrast to Trump’s position, other G7 leaders continued to coordinate new sanctions. BBC reported that the UK would announce a new sanctions package targeting Russia’s military-industrial complex. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the measures were being finalized alongside other G7 partners and would “squeeze Russia’s energy revenues and reduce the funds they are able to pour into their illegal war.”

“The fact is, Russia doesn’t hold all the cards,” Starmer said.

Trump again blames both Ukraine and Russia for failing to reach a peace deal

Politico reported that French President Emmanuel Macron remained hopeful about potential US involvement. Macron said he had discussed the matter privately with Trump, who, according to Macron, responded “quite positively.” Macron said Trump indicated he would not currently block new US sanctions proposed by Republican lawmakers.

“This is very good news for me,” Macron said.

Sanctions talks focus on oil revenue and financial pressure

The discussions among G7 leaders also included a reassessment of the price cap on Russian crude oil, which had been set at $60 per barrel in December 2022. 

The European Commission is proposing to cut the cap to $45 per barrel, while Ukraine wants a more drastic cut to $30. The UK’s new sanctions are expected to align with the goal of weakening Russia’s energy revenue, which continues to finance its invasion of Ukraine.

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The BBC also reported that Ukraine’s Western partners are seeking a stronger package of economic penalties, with the European Commission’s 18th sanctions package proposing restrictions on Russia’s energy sector, banking system, and transactions related to the Nord Stream project.