BREAKING: Trump Lifts Key Russian Banking Sanctions

How Trump’s Sanctions Rollback Just Gave Putin a MAJOR Financial Boost

Today, something deeply consequential for Ukraine and its allies happened—but it flew almost entirely under the radar.

The U.S. Treasury quietly issued General License No. 115B, an order that temporarily lifts sanctions on thirteen of Russia’s biggest banks, including the very institutions that help fund Putin’s war machine.

Let’s break down what that means—and why it matters so much.

What Are These Russian Banks, and Why Are They Sanctioned?

After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the U.S., EU, Canada, and other allies imposed unprecedented financial sanctions to isolate Russia from the global economy. These sanctions weren’t symbolic—they were designed to choke off the money pipeline that funds missiles, tanks, and war salaries.

The banks involved in this June 2025 license include:

• Sberbank – Russia’s largest bank and a direct financial artery to the Kremlin

• VTB Bank – Used for massive government contracts, including defense

• Gazprombank – Literally processes payments to Russian soldiers

• Alfa-Bank, Rosbank, VEB, and others deeply embedded in Putin’s war economy

• The Central Bank of Russia – Yes, even that was included in the waiver

These aren’t neutral institutions—they’re Putin’s war banks. Every dollar that flows through them is a potential bullet, drone, or bribe.

Former Trump associate, Lev Parnas, broke the news on his Substack this morning. He knows the bans, the players and lays out who’s involved and why here:

BREAKING: Donald Trump Just Lifted Sanctions on Russia’s War Banks

What Did Trump’s License Actually Do?

Under the name “civil nuclear cooperation,” General License 115B allows these banks to conduct business again—but only for specific nuclear energy–related transactions.

Think that sounds like a narrow exception? Think Trump/Putin will stick to it? LOL.

Here’s the catch:

• Money is fungible—freeing up resources for one purpose gives bad actors room to move elsewhere.

• Nuclear-related contracts are massive, often involving billions, which flow through the very banks we’re trying to restrict.

• Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear company, is not just about energy—it directly supports Russia’s military-industrial complex.

So yes, technically, the order limits transactions to “civil nuclear energy.” But in practice, it’s giving financial breathing room to sanctioned Russian institutions—at the worst possible time

Why This Matters for Ukraine

Ukraine is in the fight of its life. While the country’s soldiers defend every inch of their land, Western sanctions are the second front—a way to weaken Putin’s ability to wage war without firing a shot.

But sanctions only work if everyone plays their part.

This move by Trump’s Treasury Department throws a wrench into that unified effort. It signals to Moscow and the world that the U.S. might once again go soft on Russia, even as Ukraine bleeds.

Meanwhile, allies such as Canada, the EU, the UK, and the Baltic states are working diligently to close every loophole. They’ve sanctioned Russian oil, weapons, banks, and oligarchs. They’ve frozen assets, kicked Russian banks off SWIFT, and begun phasing out Russian nuclear fuel.

And Trump? He’s easing sanctions. On banks. For Putin

What Allies Are Saying

Hungary—Putin’s closest friend in the EU—celebrated the license. Their foreign minister publicly thanked Trump for the move, which will help them build a Russian-financed nuclear plant called Paks II. Hungary had previously blocked EU efforts to sanction Rosatom. Now they don’t need to—the U.S. just gave them a workaround.

Meanwhile, experts from Ukraine and its allies are sounding the alarm. Ukrainian watchdogs, such as the DiXi Group, say that every dollar earned by Rosatom “is fuel for prolonging the war.” Energy analysts warn that Putin’s nuclear empire is the next big front—and that any loophole helps the Kremlin.

Canada and the Coalition of willing EU countries have yet to make any statement, but this contradicts every supportive effort and sanction on behalf of Ukraine, and more.

What This Tells Us About Trump’s Foreign Policy

This isn’t just about banks or paperwork. It’s about values.

Do we stand with democracy—or with dictatorship?

Do we support Ukraine and the brave coalition defending it—or do we throw lifelines to authoritarian regimes in the name of “deals”?

This order is a reminder that Trump’s instincts are to ease pressure on Putin, not increase it. Whether it’s delaying aid to Ukraine, attacking NATO, or cozying up to autocrats, the pattern is clear.

The Bottom Line

• Trump’s Treasury just gave Putin’s war banks a lifeline.

• The excuse? “Civil nuclear energy.” The reality? Billions in relief for sanctioned banks.

• While Ukraine’s allies increase pressure, Trump is relieving it.

• This isn’t hypothetical—it’s happening right now. And the cost could be measured in Ukrainian lives.

Sanctions matter. Financial pressure matters. And unity matters.

Unless you’re name is Donald Trump. The only thing that matters to him? Giving Putin whatever he wants.