The US may reconsider sanctions against Russia if it contributes to achieving peace in Ukraine. This is reported by Bloomberg, citing US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
"Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on Thursday that the US is prepared to either intensify or lift penalties based on the Kremlin's willingness to negotiate," the publication notes.
The article does not provide a direct quote from Bessent regarding the possibility of easing sanctions against Russia. However, it mentions that in response to a question about the potential adjustment of sanctions in either direction, the US Treasury Secretary referred to it as "a very good characteristic."
A video of the entire conversation between Bessent and journalists is available on the Bloomberg YouTube channel.
"I am reviewing our sanctions policy: why we do what we do, whether it has been effective, and if we are acting in accordance with the realities of the 21st century rather than outdated methods?" he stated in this interview.
In response to a journalist's remark that the current sanctions were implemented, in part, against Russia to compel Putin to come to the negotiating table, Bessent said the following:
We will tell the Russians to come to the negotiating table with a very clear message that if necessary, we will move to intensify sanctions.
Sanctions Against Russia
As reported by UNIAN, during negotiations in Saudi Arabia, Russia requested the US to ease the sanctions imposed against it, specifically to unblock frozen state assets.
Meanwhile, the European Union has approved the 16th package of sanctions against Russia, which will focus on restrictions regarding the Russian shadow fleet of tankers. The import of Russian aluminum is also banned.
Prior to this, EU officials assured that they do not plan to lift sanctions against Russia even if the US decides to do so. Brussels intends to pursue its own sanctions policy, independent of the Trump administration's decisions.