U.S. targets Russia's largest bank while European allies grant brief extension; Zelensky criticizes delay as shielding oligarchs.
Published
The U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on VTB Bank, Russia's largest banking institution, intensifying pressure on Moscow as the war in Ukraine approaches its third year. The move came as the European Union extended existing sanctions against Russia for just one week, with negotiations ongoing over a broader package.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the EU delay, stating it is "not the time to shield Russian oligarchs" amid reports that France pressured for the shorter extension. The delay reflects divisions within the EU over how to proceed with the sanctions regime.
Meanwhile, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov blamed the United States for extending the war by an additional year, claiming Russia could have achieved peace earlier. The accusation follows a pattern of Russian officials shifting blame onto Western support for Ukraine.
In Congress, House Democratic leadership opposes a Russia sanctions bill set for a vote, but not all Democrats support that position. Republicans will need some Democratic votes to offset defections from their isolationist wing to pass the measure.
Separately, the U.S. and Iran hinted at potential diplomatic talks even as sanctions intensify and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz remain elevated.
Sources: 1. Axios: House Democrats face divisions on Russian sanctions bill — https://www.axios.com/2026/09/15/russia-sanctions-trump-tariffs-house-democrats (src1) 2.