Fact Check: "The US has not imposed new sanctions on Russia since early 2025."
What We Know
The claim that the United States has not imposed new sanctions on Russia since early 2025 is inaccurate. In fact, the U.S. government has continued to implement sanctions against Russia throughout 2025. For instance, on January 10, 2025, the U.S. Treasury announced sweeping sanctions targeting Russia's energy sector, which included sanctions against major companies such as Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, as well as over 180 vessels linked to these entities (source-5). Additionally, the U.S. State Department reported on the same day that nearly 250 enablers of Russia's military operations were sanctioned, including more than 150 individuals and entities (source-4).
Moreover, the U.S. has been actively involved in coordinating sanctions with international partners, continually adapting its approach to counteract Russia's evasion tactics (source-3). This ongoing commitment to sanctions demonstrates that the U.S. has not ceased its efforts to apply economic pressure on Russia since early 2025.
Analysis
The assertion that the U.S. has not imposed new sanctions since early 2025 appears to stem from a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of the current sanctions landscape. Notably, the New York Times reported that since President Trump returned to office in January 2025, there has been a lack of new sanctions related specifically to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, this does not negate the fact that significant sanctions were imposed at the beginning of the year (source-1).
The U.S. State Department and Treasury Department have consistently updated their sanctions lists, reflecting a proactive stance against Russia's military actions and efforts to undermine international norms (source-2). The credibility of these sources is high, as they are official government entities responsible for foreign policy and economic sanctions.
While some reports suggest a slowdown in the frequency of sanctions compared to previous years, the actions taken in January 2025 contradict the claim that no new sanctions have been imposed. Furthermore, the context provided by various analysts indicates that the U.S. is still actively engaged in sanctioning efforts, albeit with varying intensity (source-6).
Conclusion
Verdict: False. The claim that the U.S. has not imposed new sanctions on Russia since early 2025 is incorrect. The U.S. government has actively sanctioned Russian entities and individuals in January 2025, demonstrating a continued commitment to applying economic pressure in response to Russia's actions. The ongoing sanctions efforts, including significant measures targeting the energy sector and military enablers, contradict the assertion made in the claim.
Sources
- Lack of New U.S. Sanctions Allows Russia to Replenish Its War Chest - New York Times
- Ukraine and Russia Sanctions - U.S. State Department
- The Impact of Sanctions and Export Controls on the Russian Federation - U.S. State Department
- Sanctions to Disrupt Russia's Military Industrial Base and Sanctions Evasion - U.S. State Department
- Treasury Intensifies Sanctions Against Russia by Targeting Energy Sector - U.S. Treasury
- What have U.S. sanctions on Russia achieved since the war in Ukraine began? - NPR
