Bessent Urges U.S. and Europe to Intensify Sanctions to Force Putin to Negotiations

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told NBC’s “Meet the Press” today in Washington that the United States and European Union must impose additional sanctions and secondary tariffs on nations importing Russian oil to compel President Vladimir Putin to enter peace talks over Ukraine.

The appeal underscores a strategic shift toward leveraging economic pressure to accelerate conflict resolution and support Ukraine’s defense efforts, highlighting the urgency as Russia sustains its military campaign despite mounting financial strain.

Bessent’s Sanctions Appeal

• “Collapse” the Russian economy: Bessent warned that coordinated U.S.-EU action could bring Russia’s economy to the brink, forcing Putin to the bargaining table.
• Race against time: He contrasted the longevity of Ukraine’s military resistance with the durability of Russia’s economy, urging allies to act swiftly.
• Diplomatic coordination: President Trump and Vice President Vance recently consulted with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to secure her commitment to new measures before speaking with Bessent.

Tariffs and Broader Trade Measures

Bessent noted the administration’s readiness to extend secondary tariffs beyond traditional targets, citing the 50% levy on Indian imports of Russian oil as a precedent for applying economic coercion to any noncompliant buyer.

Implications for Ukraine and Global Markets

Heightened sanctions aim to undermine Russia’s revenue streams at a critical juncture in the war, while also signaling to global markets the administration’s willingness to deploy tariffs as a core element of its foreign policy toolkit.

Ongoing discussions will determine the scope and timing of additional measures, as Washington and Brussels seek to synchronize their economic strategies to maximize pressure on Moscow without fracturing allied unity.