Overview

• The working group was formed this spring to craft measures such as sanctions, economic incentives and covert options aimed at accelerating Russia into ceasefire negotiations with Ukraine.
• Its termination followed a purge of key National Security Council staffers focused on the Ukraine war roughly three weeks ago, leaving few senior officials on the Russia portfolio.
• U.S. officials say President Donald Trump lost interest in a tougher posture toward Moscow by May, reducing support for the group’s agenda.
• Senator Lindsey Graham and other Republican allies are urging the administration to impose a new round of sanctions on Russia’s government and energy sectors.
• European diplomats fear the move signals a softer U.S. stance and could weaken international efforts to broker a lasting peace in Ukraine.