** Australian energy sub-index .AXEJ rises as much as 2.8%, hitting its highest level since September 30
** Sub-index set for strongest trading session since mid-June
** Sub-index tracks gains in oil prices after the U.S. imposed Ukraine-related sanctions on Russia, targeting oil companies O/R
** Energy giants Woodside Energy WDS.AX and Santos STO.AX up 3.4% and 2.1% respectively
** Sub-index down 2.4% YTD, including the day's moves
(Reporting by Shivangi Lahiri in Bengaluru)
((shivangi.lahiri@thomsonreuters.com))