The US government will impose a substantial pickup in sanctions against Russia as the fighting in Ukraine continues, according to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Bessent's comments came just before NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte was due at the White House, where he said he hoped to discuss how to deliver Trump’s vision of peace in the conflict.
Earlier in the day, Rutte believed Trump was the only one who can get this done.
At least seven individuals were killed, including two children, during intense Russian drone and missile strikes on Ukraine—shortly after Trump announced that plans for a meeting with Vladimir Putin in Budapest had been shelved.
Bessent provided no further details on the incoming sanctions, but indicated they would be announced either after the close this afternoon or first thing tomorrow morning. US lawmakers, including Republicans, have been waiting for a green light from the White House to vote on a bill demanding severe sanctions against Russia and also targeting nations purchasing oil from the Kremlin.
During his visit, Rutte was expected to discuss a 12-point plan developed by European NATO allies and Kyiv that would aim to freeze current front lines, facilitate the return of deported children, and arrange a prisoner exchange. The strategy also includes a fund for Ukraine's war recovery, security pathways for EU integration, increased military aid, and economic pressure on Moscow.
Earlier this week, Trump remarked he did not want a wasted meeting with Putin in Budapest, attributing ongoing hostilities to Moscow's unwillingness to cease attacks along the current front line.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was set to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov this week; however, the White House reported that their recent call was productive, making an official meeting unnecessary.
Trump has previously expressed support for proposals to freeze combat along existing lines, advocating a change in military strategy: Let it be cut the way it is, he stated, adding that fighting must cease to eliminate civilian casualties.
The Kremlin, however, has dismissed this notion, insisting on the removal of Ukrainian troops from the Donbas region as a prerequisite for peace.
Adding complexity to the matter, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated a desire for Ukraine to receive long-range US Tomahawk missiles, believing this would leverage negotiations with Russia.
