US may impose maximum sanctions on Russia without hesitation - US Treasury Secretary
Photo: Scott Bessent, US Treasury Secretary (Getty Images)
The United States is considering the imposition of the harshest sanctions on Russia. If necessary, such a decision will be made without hesitation, stated US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in an interview with CNBC.
He mentioned that he does not plan to reveal the details of the US sanctions plan against Russia at this time.
According to Bessent, he was disappointed with the level of anti-Russian sanctions under the administration of President Joe Biden, as it introduced a minimal level of restrictions due to concerns about domestic energy prices.
The Treasury Secretary pointed out that oil prices had decreased by 13-15% since Donald Trump's inauguration. This is despite the fact that by the end of Biden’s term, the administration decided to stop worrying about energy prices.
"So if we just take kind of a scale zero to 10, then I think the Biden administration sanctions on Russia were probably a three; on the way out the door, they took them to a six. And I can tell you, we wouldn't hesitate to take them up to 10," Bessent emphasized.
He noted that these actions are part of Trump’s plan to prepare for successful peace negotiations. He is ready to exert maximum pressure on both sides.
Sanctions against Russia
Earlier, Ukraine agreed to the US proposal to establish a 30-day ceasefire with Russia. However, Moscow has so far reacted negatively to this initiative.
Yesterday, March 12, US President Donald Trump emphasized that he could impose devastating sanctions on Russia if it does not want to end the war.
