Trump to play the sanctions card in talks with Putin – Bessent
Photo: Scott Bessent, US Treasury Secretary (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump will use sanctions as a tool during his meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, reports Sky News, citing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
According to Bessent, Trump will make it clear to Putin that "all options are on the table" in the context of a possible easing or strengthening of sanctions against Russia.
He clarified that sanctions "can go up, can be loosened and could have timelines."
"He will make it clear to President Putin that all options are on the table," Bessent said.
He added that Europe needs to join us in these sanctions and help create more leverage.
Trump's ultimatum
Donald Trump promised to tighten sanctions against Russia if Vladimir Putin does not agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine by August 8.
The US president did not impose sanctions, even though Russia did not agree to a ceasefire.
Trump explained this by saying that Russia had offered him a meeting at the level of leaders. The meeting will take place in Alaska on August 15.
The American leader said that during the meeting, he wants to get Putin to agree to a ceasefire.
