Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent surge in international oil prices, driven by U.S. sanctions on major Russian oil companies and a shift in U.S. policy towards Russia, particularly in the context of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict [1][3][6]. Group 1: Oil Price Movement - International oil prices saw significant increases, with WTI crude oil rising over 5% to exceed $61 per barrel and ICE Brent crude oil surpassing $65 per barrel [1]. - The previous day, WTI and ICE Brent crude oil had already increased by 3.74% and 4.94%, respectively [1]. - The surge in oil prices is attributed to U.S. sanctions against Russia's largest oil companies, which are estimated to account for nearly 50% of Russia's total crude oil exports [3]. Group 2: U.S. Sanctions and Policy Changes - U.S. Treasury Secretary announced sanctions against Russian state-owned and private oil companies, urging an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine [3]. - The sanctions are part of a broader strategy, with the EU also agreeing on new sanctions against Russia, including a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas [3]. - Trump's cancellation of a planned meeting with Putin reflects a significant shift in U.S. policy, moving from a previously more lenient approach to a more aggressive stance against Russia [5][6]. Group 3: Market Reactions - Following the announcement of sanctions, U.S. oil stocks showed strong performance, with companies like Occidental Petroleum and ConocoPhillips seeing gains of nearly 3% and over 2%, respectively [1]. - The market's reaction indicates investor confidence in the potential for higher oil prices due to geopolitical tensions and supply constraints resulting from the sanctions [1][3].