Photo: EPA/UPG
The administration of US President Donald Trump considers the sanctions policy of the previous head of the White House, Joe Biden, insufficient and plans to significantly increase pressure on Russia.
This was stated by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on 13 March on CNBC.
What will change?
Bessent harshly criticised Biden’s policy, saying that his sanctions against Russia could only be rated a “three” on a 10-point scale.
“We are ready to raise them to the top ten if it helps to end the war in Ukraine,” the minister stressed.
He stressed that the Trump administration will not hesitate to impose new restrictions if it helps create conditions for negotiations.
“I’m not going to reveal all the cards on TV, but the level of sanctions imposed by the Biden administration was minimal. They were afraid of rising domestic energy prices,” Bessent said.
Trump’s strategy: “maximum pressure”
The Treasury Secretary confirmed that tougher sanctions against Russia are part of Trump’s overall plan to prepare for possible peace talks.
“He [Trump] is ready to put maximum pressure on both sides to achieve the desired result,” Bessent explained.
What does this mean for Ukraine and Russia?
The new US sanctions are expected to hit Russia’s financial sector, energy exports, and ability to obtain technology and military resources.
The Trump administration, unlike the previous one, says it is ready to act more decisively, even if it has economic consequences for the US and Europe.
