US, EU, UK Impose Sanctions on Russian Oil Firms Prompting Moscow 'Act of War' Response

U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed sanctions on Russia's two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, marking a sharp policy shift aimed at pressuring Russia to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. These sanctions, coupled with the cancellation of a planned summit between Trump and Vladimir Putin, have provoked a strong backlash from Moscow, with Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council Dmitry Medvedev labeling the U.S. actions as an "act of war." The European Union has also approved new sanctions against Russia, including a phased ban on Russian liquefied natural gas imports and restrictions on Russian diplomats. China criticized the U.S. sanctions, stating they lack a basis in international law and urged the EU to stop politicizing China-Russia economic relations. Despite Russia's Foreign Ministry calling the sanctions "counterproductive," Moscow has vowed to continue its objectives in Ukraine. President Trump indicated that China, as a major buyer of Russian oil, could influence Russia's decisions, and emphasized that the canceled meeting with Putin was due to Moscow's refusal to halt fighting.