Biden’s Last-Minute Sanctions On Russia Seen As Political Trap For Trump

President Joe Biden is under fire for imposing sweeping new sanctions on Russia’s oil industry just days before leaving office, a move many believe is intended to sabotage President-elect Donald Trump’s commitment to brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine. The sanctions are expected to drive up gas prices for Americans and deepen economic strain.

Biden avoided answering why he waited until the final moments of his presidency to take this aggressive action. He claimed the sanctions would severely impact Russia’s economy and hinder President Vladimir Putin’s war efforts but offered no explanation for the delayed timing. Critics argue this move was politically calculated to undermine Trump’s foreign policy agenda.

The sanctions target Russia’s largest oil companies and more than 180 oil tankers, cutting off billions of dollars in monthly revenue. This action follows Biden’s approval of substantial military aid to Ukraine and his authorization for Ukrainian forces to use U.S.-supplied weapons in strikes inside Russian territory.

Global oil prices surged more than 3% in response to the sanctions, signaling an immediate impact on fuel costs for American consumers. While Biden downplayed the consequences by suggesting gas prices would rise by only a few cents, energy experts caution the increase could be much higher, further squeezing struggling families.

President Donald Trump has vowed to end the conflict by bringing Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table. However, Biden’s last-minute sanctions risk complicating Trump’s peace efforts and entrenching U.S. involvement in the war. This strategy appears designed to limit Trump’s diplomatic options.

Many see Biden’s decision as a deliberate attempt to lock the next administration into continued conflict. By escalating economic pressure on Russia, Biden and his allies seem more focused on maintaining control over foreign policy than allowing Trump the opportunity to pursue peace and restore economic stability for Americans.