The United States decided to impose broad sanctions against the Russian energy sector on Friday, including more than 180 ships and two major oil companies, just days before the end of President Joe Biden’s term.

Britain, in turn, announced the imposition of similar sanctions on the Russian oil sector, according to what was reported by the French Press Agency.

The US Treasury said in a statement that these sanctions “fulfill the G7 commitment to reduce Russian energy revenues.” A US official told reporters that these are the largest sanctions imposed so far on the Russian energy sector.

In total, the United States imposed sanctions on 183 oil tanker ships within the so-called “Ghost Fleet,” even though a number of these ships fly the flag of Barbados and Panama.

The sanctions also included companies operating in Russia in the oil trade and oil fields, especially Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz, along with more than twenty companies affiliated with them.

US officials explained that these measures aim to give the United States additional leverage to help mediate a “just peace” between Ukraine and Russia.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement, “The United States is taking comprehensive measures against the main source of Russian revenues to finance its brutal and illegal war against Ukraine.”

She added, “With today’s actions, we are increasing the risk of exposure to sanctions associated with Russian oil trade, including shipping and financial facilities to support Russian oil exports.”