US treasury secretary: US sanctions on Russia could hinge on peace talks
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has stated that the introduction of new American sanctions against Russia will depend on the results of talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
Source: Reuters, citing Bessent during a Senate banking committee hearing
Details: "I will take it under consideration. We will see where the peace talks go," Bessent said, responding to questions about the possibility of increasing pressure on Russia's tanker fleet.
He emphasised that sanctions imposed by US President Donald Trump's administration on Russian oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil have proven effective. He believes that these measures helped push Russia to the negotiating table.
Bessent also confirmed his participation in a meeting with Russian representatives on 31 January in Miami. The talks also included US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Asked about Kushner's role in the negotiations with Russia, Bessent said he acted as a special envoy and mediator.
Democratic Senator Andy Kim noted that involvement of Trump's family members who hold no official position could raise potential conflicts of interest.
Background:
- According to a communiqué on the outcome of the trilateral talks held in Abu Dhabi on 4-5 February, the US, Ukrainian and Russian delegations discussed methods for implementing a ceasefire and monitoring the cessation of hostilities.
- Following the Abu Dhabi talks, the US and Russia have agreed to resume high-level military dialogue.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his evening address that further meetings are already being planned as part of the negotiation process and they are likely to take place in the US.
Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!