(Dan Tri) - A senior US official said he is ready to impose the strongest sanctions on Russia if this move can bring peace to Ukraine.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (Photo: Reuters).
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on March 13 that he was ready to significantly increase sanctions against Russia if necessary to resolve the war in Ukraine.
Speaking to CNBC , Mr. Bessent was asked about tightening sanctions on Russia if Moscow does not agree to a ceasefire agreement.
The US Treasury Secretary began his response by criticizing the level of sanctions imposed by the administration of former President Joe Biden.
"If we put sanctions on a scale of zero to 10, I think the Biden administration's sanctions on Russia were probably a three, and by the time they leave office, they've raised them to a six. I would say we wouldn't hesitate to raise them to a 10," he said.
Mr Bessent stressed that US President Donald Trump had warned that he was ready to put pressure on both Kiev and Moscow if necessary.
"This is part of President Trump's strategy to create the conditions for successful negotiations. He is willing to apply maximum pressure on both sides," the US Treasury Secretary said.
Mr. Bessent said he did not want to disclose details of the US sanctions plan against Russia at this time.
The US official said he was disappointed with the level of sanctions against Russia under the Biden administration, as they were only minimally restrictive due to concerns about domestic energy prices.
After a meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 11, Ukraine agreed to immediately implement a 30-day ceasefire on all fronts if Russia makes a similar move.
On March 13, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he "agrees" with the US proposal to end the conflict, but this needs to "lead to lasting peace".
President Putin has expressed support for a potential 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict, but has also raised concerns about how it would be implemented. Speaking on March 13, Putin warned of the potential vulnerabilities and strategic disadvantages Russia could face if it agreed to a temporary ceasefire.
"We also want guarantees that during the 30-day ceasefire, Ukraine will not carry out additional mobilization of forces, will not train soldiers and will not receive additional weapons," Mr. Putin said.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he has leverage over Russia but does not want to use it at this time.
“I have leverage, but I don’t want to talk about it right now, because we are in dialogue with them right now, and based on the statements that Mr. Putin made today, I think they are quite positive,” he stressed.
Mr Trump also expressed hope that Russia would agree to a ceasefire. He added that he did not think Russia would resume shooting and that he truly believed that if the two sides reached a ceasefire agreement, it would lead to peace.
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/my-canh-bao-ap-lenh-trung-phat-manh-chua-tung-co-voi-nga-20250314083805641.htm
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