Translated with AI
Washington and European countries are ready to tighten sanctions against the Russian Federation if Moscow does not show readiness for constructive peace talks. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said this in an interview with CBS News.
According to Bessent, President Donald Trump has previously made Washington's position on the issue clear. The United States is currently closely monitoring the progress of the negotiating process, which must be carried out in a spirit of good faith on both sides.
“Sanctions were not effective enough during the Biden administration because their use was limited due to concerns about rising domestic oil prices,” the US minister noted.
Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, the White House has repeatedly warned of new, tougher sanctions if Russia refuses to cease fire and begin peace talks. Among the measures under consideration is a significant increase in taxes on Russian exports to the United States and Europe.
In response to statements by the US and European leaders aimed at a rapid end to hostilities, the heads of several European states arrived in Kyiv. During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, they called for a comprehensive ceasefire to be declared from May 12, warning of serious consequences if this condition is not met.
Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected the ceasefire proposal and offered to resume talks in Istanbul. Instead of meeting Zelensky in person, he sent a low-level negotiating team to Turkey. The move drew criticism from the European Union, which noted that it was clear which side genuinely wanted peace and which did not.
Thus, the situation remains tense and the international community continues to monitor developments, calling for a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
