Trump Baffled by Putin’s Moves as US Prepares Counterplay

Geopolitical tensions hit a new peak as former President Trump admits he’s clueless about Putin’s latest maneuvers—meanwhile, Washington scrambles to assemble a response. No fancy economic sanctions here, just good old-fashioned brinkmanship.

Wall Street shrugs—after all, what’s another global crisis when you’re busy chasing the next crypto pump?

Russia already faces sanctions from the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Earlier last week, Britain unveiled a sweeping package of sanctions against Russia’s military, energy, and financial sectors. The measures, coordinated with the EU, came in response to the largest drone assault of the war over the past weekend, which struck multiple Ukrainian cities.

London said its latest sanctions hit 100 new targets. These include networks that supply Russia’s Iskander missiles, Kremlin-backed information operations, and financial outfits that help Moscow sidestep existing penalties. 

“We urge [President Vladimir Putin] to agree a full, unconditional ceasefire right away so there can be talks on a just and lasting peace,” UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said.

Lammy added that any delay in peace efforts WOULD only strengthen Britain’s resolve to back Ukraine’s defense and tighten sanctions on Russia’s war machine. 

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, together with leaders of major EU nations, has called on Washington to join in imposing harsher penalties on Moscow for refusing to halt hostilities.

Among the British measures is a new round of sanctions on the Social Design Agency, a Kremlin-linked disinformation group first blacklisted in 2024. London described it as a body that sought to stir unrest in European countries.

Forty-six financial institutions accused of helping Russia dodge existing sanctions were also targeted. Notable entities include the St. Petersburg Currency Exchange and the Russian Deposit Insurance Agency, which underwrites Russian banks.

Eighteen additional vessels were added to the blacklist. These ships FORM part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” which is used to circumvent Western restrictions and keep its crude exports flowing. 

Finally, Britain said it is working with international partners to drive down the $60-per-barrel cap on the price Russia can fetch for its oil when using services, like insurance and shipping, from major industrial nations. 

Cryptopolitan Academy: Tired of market swings? Learn how DeFi can help you build steady passive income. Register Now