The Biden administration has established a complex sanctions framework that poses significant political and legal challenges for President-elect Donald Trump, particularly regarding the potential rollback of extensive sanctions on Russia‘s energy sector, as reported by the Washington Post.

The report indicates that Biden’s measures could present considerable obstacles for Trump if he attempts to remove these restrictions.

Key challenges include the legal basis for the sanctions and the strong likelihood of opposition from Congress.

Republican lawmakers have previously advocated for more stringent penalties, which could further complicate Trump’s efforts to change the current stance.

A senior official from the Biden administration stated, “It’s entirely up to [the next administration] to determine whether, when, and on what terms they might lift any sanctions we put in place.” However, existing sanctions legislation empowers Congress to prevent any attempts to relax these restrictions.

This situation leaves Trump with few alternatives, potentially compelling him to maintain pressure on Moscow, despite his calls for a swift resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. Michael Waltz, Trump’s incoming national security adviser, has suggested using the sanctions as leverage to prompt Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in peace negotiations.

In a pre-election article for The Economist, Waltz stated: “Should [Putin] decline to engage in dialogue, Washington may… supply Ukraine with additional weaponry under fewer constraints. Under such pressure, Mr. Putin is likely to seize the chance to de-escalate the conflict.”

The latest U.S. sanctions target major oil companies Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, along with 183 oil tankers, aiming to undermine Russia’s energy sector, which is crucial for its budgetary funding.

These measures also impose stricter regulations from the U.S. Treasury Department, limiting Moscow’s capacity to receive dollar payments for its energy exports. The timing of these sanctions, occurring just days before Trump’s inauguration, has led to accusations from Moscow of intentional disruption.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked prior to the sanctions announcement, “Naturally, we recognize that the administration will aim to leave the most challenging legacy possible for Trump and his team.”

Biden administration officials have characterized the sanctions as part of a long-term strategy. “We believe our actions are establishing a robust foundation for the next administration to build upon,” one official noted, anticipating that these measures could cost Russia billions in monthly revenue and compel “difficult choices” regarding its economic sustainability.

Given that the sanctions are linked to bipartisan legislation, any attempt to reverse them is likely to encounter significant opposition in Congress, thereby limiting Trump’s options as he assumes office, according to the Washington Post.