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 expressed hopes to discuss how to deliver Trump's 'vision of peace' in the conflict.
Earlier in the day, Rutte stated his belief that Trump is 'the only one who can get this done.' Tragically, at least seven people were killed, including two children, during recent relentless Russian drone and missile strikes on Ukraine, just hours after Trump announced that plans for a meeting with Vladimir Putin in Budapest had been shelved.
Bessent provided no further details on the impending sanctions but indicated they would be announced 'either after the close this afternoon or first thing tomorrow morning.' There is a pressing need for US lawmakers, including Republicans, to receive the go-ahead from the White House to vote on a bill enforcing steep sanctions against Russia and targeting countries that purchase oil from the Kremlin.
Rutte was anticipated to discuss a 12-point plan devised by European NATO allies and Kyiv, aimed at stabilizing the front lines, prioritizing the return of deported children, and facilitating prisoner exchanges between the warring nations. Additionally, the plan includes a recovery fund for Ukraine and ensures clear avenues for Ukraine's potential EU membership, alongside escalated military support for Kyiv and increased economic pressure on Moscow.
Earlier this week, Trump remarked on his deterrent stance regarding any potential meeting with Putin, emphasizing the importance of maintaining frontlines as they are. Russia has maintained its resistance to such proposals, asserting its position on Ukrainian troop withdrawal from the Donbas region.
As international leaders grapple with the escalating tensions surrounding the conflict, the urgency for a coordinated and peaceful resolution becomes more pressing.
Earlier in the day, Rutte stated his belief that Trump is 'the only one who can get this done.' Tragically, at least seven people were killed, including two children, during recent relentless Russian drone and missile strikes on Ukraine, just hours after Trump announced that plans for a meeting with Vladimir Putin in Budapest had been shelved.
Bessent provided no further details on the impending sanctions but indicated they would be announced 'either after the close this afternoon or first thing tomorrow morning.' There is a pressing need for US lawmakers, including Republicans, to receive the go-ahead from the White House to vote on a bill enforcing steep sanctions against Russia and targeting countries that purchase oil from the Kremlin.
Rutte was anticipated to discuss a 12-point plan devised by European NATO allies and Kyiv, aimed at stabilizing the front lines, prioritizing the return of deported children, and facilitating prisoner exchanges between the warring nations. Additionally, the plan includes a recovery fund for Ukraine and ensures clear avenues for Ukraine's potential EU membership, alongside escalated military support for Kyiv and increased economic pressure on Moscow.
Earlier this week, Trump remarked on his deterrent stance regarding any potential meeting with Putin, emphasizing the importance of maintaining frontlines as they are. Russia has maintained its resistance to such proposals, asserting its position on Ukrainian troop withdrawal from the Donbas region.
As international leaders grapple with the escalating tensions surrounding the conflict, the urgency for a coordinated and peaceful resolution becomes more pressing.
