US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent this week signaled that the U.S. and European Union (EU) could “partner” on increased sanctions to “collapse” the Russian economy amid its ongoing war with Ukraine
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent this week signalled that America and the European Union could “partner” on heightened sanctions to “collapse” the Russian economy amid its ongoing war with Ukraine.
The savage Russian invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022, sparked worldwide condemnation as leaders regarded it as unprovoked and unjustified.
Meanwhile, Vladimir Solovyov, a presenter on Russian state television and close Putin ally, responded to his remarks with a terrifying nuclear threat this week, according to a video posted online by Julia Davis, a journalist who regularly translates and shares clips from Russian media. The news emerges as experts warn of the horrifying WW3 signs a Putin invasion of two NATO allies is imminent.
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“He (Bessent) says, it’s a question of what will collapse first, the Russian economy, after all sanctions are imposed, or the Ukrainian Army.
“For some reason, he thinks that if all possible sanctions are imposed against us, we will sit down at the negotiating table.
“We’ll just strike with our nuclear weapons, and that’s it,” he said. “We’ll carry out a strike, and that’s it.”
He said he believes Europe is “getting ready for a war” against Russia and that Moscow should “fight harshly and terribly.”, reports the Express.
Poland triggers NATO Article 4 after drone breach His threatening remarks emerge as tensions escalate in Eastern Europe, with 19 Russian drones violating Polish airspace during a nocturnal assault on Western Ukraine, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed.
Poland has officially triggered NATO’s Article 4, declaring a national security emergency.
The ongoing conflict has heightened concerns over nuclear weapon deployment, given Russia possesses the world’s largest atomic arsenal.
Russian media figures have repeatedly issued nuclear threats throughout the hostilities.
US Treasury chief plots economic warfare
Bessent discussed the prospect of more crippling sanctions against Russia during an appearance on NBC News’ Meet the Press this week.
“We are prepared to increase pressure on Russia. But we need our European partners to follow us,” he said. “Because if the U.S. and the EU do this together, we are in a race now between can the, how long can the Ukrainian military hold up versus how long can the Russian economy hold up?”.
“And if the U.S. and the EU can come in, do more sanctions, secondary tariffs on the countries that buy Russian oil, the Russian economy will be in full collapse. And that will bring President Putin to the table.”
Energy chief demands European action
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright revealed to The Financial Times this week: “If the Europeans drew a line and said: ‘We’re not going to buy more Russian gas, we’re not going to buy Russian oil,’ would that have a positive influence on the U.S. leaning in more aggressively [on sanctions] as well? Absolutely.”
Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, called for new sanctions against Russia this week on X: “Mr. President, Congress is with you. We stand ready to pass legislation authorising bone crushing new sanctions and tariffs that can be deployed at your discretion. Our goal is to empower you as you deal with this mounting threat.”
Despite increasing pressure, the Kremlin remains defiant
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, according to Reuters, stated: “No sanctions will be able to force the Russian Federation to change the consistent position that our president has repeatedly spoken about.”
Efforts to end the years-long war have come to a standstill. Tensions continue to escalate dangerously in Europe, with United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric highlighting the incident with Poland as it “again underlines the regional impact and real risk of expansion of this devastating conflict.”