The United States is preparing to impose tougher sanctions on Russia, focusing on critical sectors like banking and oil infrastructure, as part of efforts to pressure President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine. Officials involved in U.S. internal discussions say this move complements the European Union’s plan to use seized Russian assets for Ukraine’s defense fund. Washington is also exploring the possibility of deploying Russian assets held in the U.S. to support Kyiv. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasizing his role as a global peacemaker, admitted that ending the conflict has proven far more complicated than expected and said he would not meet Putin until a real prospect of peace emerges. Recent sanctions on Russian oil giants Lukoil and Rosneft triggered global market reactions, with China reducing purchases and India halting them entirely, pushing oil prices higher.