The US government will impose a substantial pickup in sanctions against Russia as the fighting in Ukraine continues, according to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Bessent's comments came just before NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte was due at the White House, where discussions were expected on how to deliver Trump's vision of peace in the ongoing conflict.
Earlier, Rutte expressed his belief that Trump is the only one who can get this done regarding the Ukraine situation.
Tragically, at least seven individuals, including two children, were reported killed due to intense Russian drone and missile strikes on Ukraine, occurring just hours after Trump indicated that plans for a meeting with Vladimir Putin in Budapest had been shelved.
Bessent has not provided further details on the upcoming sanctions but mentioned they would be announced either after the close this afternoon or first thing tomorrow morning.
US lawmakers, including Republicans, are anticipating a green light from the White House to vote on a bill enforcing steep sanctions against Russia, which would also target countries purchasing oil from the Kremlin.
During the White House visit, Rutte was also set to discuss a comprehensive 12-point plan devised by European NATO allies and Kyiv, which includes halting fighting along the current frontlines, returning deported children, and facilitating a prisoner exchange between the conflicting nations.
The initiative further aims to establish a war recovery fund for Ukraine, security pathways, clearer routes for Ukraine to join the EU, increased military aid to Kyiv, and economic pressure against Moscow.
Trump has recently declared he wishes to avoid a wasted meeting with Putin, underlining the core issue of Moscow's refusal to cease hostilities along the designated front line. In a Monday statement, he remarked, Cut and stop at the battle line. Go home. Stop fighting, stop killing people.
Despite potential diplomatic efforts, Russia, through spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, has reinforced its consistent position regarding Ukrainian troops, indicating an unwavering stance on the regulations around the Donbas region.
Additionally, Trump dismissed recent reports suggesting the US had authorized Ukrainian long-range missile strikes into Russia, labeling them as fake news. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky has advocated for long-range Tomahawk missiles from the US, theorizing that their potential introduction might nudge Russia toward negotiation.
