The USA is ready to strengthen sanctions against Russian energy to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine - Bessent.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the country is prepared to impose sanctions on the Russian energy sector if it helps to end the conflict in Ukraine. He emphasized that sanctions against Russia will be applied decisively and actively at the directive of President Trump. The Trump administration is trying to pressure Ukraine to enter into negotiations with Russia to reach a ceasefire agreement, and additional sanctions against Russia may become a useful tool in this process.

Bessent also noted that the USA plans to enhance sanctions against Iran, including blocking the country's oil sector. He indicated that the USA will cooperate with regional powers that assist Iran in exporting oil. Russia may be among those powers, as it has already expressed readiness to help the USA in negotiations with Iran. The Treasury Secretary also discussed measures that Trump is taking to protect US interests on the international stage and to increase other countries' spending on defense and security.