Treasury Secretary Scott Bescent expressed in an interview that the Trump administration is considering all possible options for sanctions against Russia. This statement comes after President Vladimir Putin continued to escalate military actions in Ukraine, even amid ongoing peace discussions.
During a conversation at Martin’s Tavern in Washington, DC, Bescent shared insights about potential sanctions. He noted, “I think it’s all on the table. President Putin has reacted in ways that contradict his supposed intentions since the important meeting in Anchorage. Instead of showing good faith, he has ramped up his bombing campaign in a dishonest manner.”
Bessent pointed out that after his discussions with President Trump in Alaska, Putin hasn’t retreated from his aggressive stance towards Ukraine, which complicates efforts for peace.
Recently, Russia launched numerous missile and drone strikes on Ukraine, resulting in at least 17 fatalities and injuring 48 individuals in Kiev, including four children aged between two and 17, according to local officials.
Experts have suggested that these attacks seem aimed at using diplomatic negotiations to gain time while maintaining pressure on Ukraine, all while avoiding potential secondary sanctions threatened by the Trump administration.
Bescent also discussed the state of US-India relations, particularly concerning recent tariffs the Trump administration imposed over India’s Russian oil imports. There’s a concern that these purchases are indirectly supporting Russia’s military ambitions in Ukraine, especially with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaging with both Russian and Chinese leaders.
“It’s a longstanding arrangement, known as the Shanai Cooperative Agency. I believe it’s mostly functioning as intended,” he said, adding, “As the largest democracy on the planet, India shares values more aligned with ours compared to those of China.”
While some hope for resolution between two major powers, Bescent indicated that India’s role in purchasing and reselling Russian oil complicates the relationship, particularly in light of the slow progress in US-India trade relations which influenced the recent tariff measures.
