US treasury secretary says he is ready to strengthen sanctions against Russia if necessary
www.pravda.com.ua
Thu, 13 Mar 2025 18:52:50 +0200
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Thursday 13 March that he was ready to significantly strengthen sanctions against Russia if necessary to resolve the war in Ukraine.
Source Bessent in an interview with CNBC, as reported by European Pravda Details Bessent was asked what the strengthening of sanctions against Russia, which Trump announced, would look like if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire agreement.
The US treasury secretary began his answer by criticising the level of sanctions imposed by former President Joe Bidens administration.
If we just take kind of a scale from zero to ten, I think the Biden administrations sanctions on Russia were probably a three, and on the way out the door, they took them to a six.
I can tell you we wouldnt hesitate to take them up to ten, he said.
Bessent stressed that Trump has warned that he is ready to put pressure on both Kyiv and Moscow if necessary.
This is all part of President Trump setting the table for successful negotiations.
He is willing to apply maximum pressure on both sides, the US treasury secretary said.
Background Following the meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on 11 March, Ukraine agreed to immediately implement a 30day ceasefire if Russia reciprocates. On 13 March, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin said that he agrees with the US proposal to end hostilities but that this should lead to longterm peace.
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