Sanctions on Russia could ramp up: Bessent explains what it depends on
Scott Bessent (Photo: Getty Images)
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that Washington is considering the possibility of tightening sanctions on Russia. According to him, any new restrictions will depend on the progress of peace negotiations, reports Reuters.
Read also: Sanctions bite early: US oil measures already hitting Russian economy hard
During a hearing before the Senate Banking Committee, Bessent was asked whether he could commit to taking action against Russia’s shadow fleet.
He replied that he would take that under consideration and that they would see how the peace negotiations developed.
Introducing new sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet is a step that US President Donald Trump has not taken since returning to office in January 2025.
In addition to potential new restrictions, Bessent said that the US sanctions imposed by the Trump administration on oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil have helped bring Russia to the negotiating table to end the war.
The Treasury Secretary was also asked about Jared Kushner’s role in talks with Russia. Bessent said that, in his view, the president’s son-in-law acts as a special envoy and mediator in these negotiations.
New sanctions on Russia and peace negotiations
In November 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US had nearly exhausted options for new sanctions against Russia, emphasizing that Washington is now focused on enforcing existing measures.
At the same time, Rubio noted that some potential for further action remains with the US’s European partners.
Recently, Bloomberg reported that the US has prepared new restrictions against Russia. However, sources say Washington does not currently intend to implement them.
Meanwhile, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas announced that the European Union plans to adopt its 20th sanctions package on February 24.
Separately, Ukraine, the US, and Russia held the second round of peace talks on February 4–5 in Abu Dhabi to end the war. According to Ukraine’s National Security Secretary Rustem Umerov, the discussions focused on implementing a ceasefire. The next meeting is expected in the coming weeks.
In addition, on February 5, Ukraine and Russia conducted a prisoner exchange, with 157 Ukrainian soldiers returning home.
