Trump’s Treasury decide Bessent requires stronger sanctions on Russia over Ukraine battle

By Bo Erickson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President-elect Donald Trump’s decide for Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, stated he “100%” helps elevating sanctions on Russian oil producers if the longer term president requests doing so.

Bessent instructed U.S. senators on the Senate Finance Committee that he believes the Russian sanctions from the Biden administration “weren’t fulsome sufficient.”

“I feel if any officers within the Russian Federation are watching this affirmation listening to, they need to know that if I am confirmed, and if President Trump requests as a part of his technique to finish the Ukraine battle, that I can be 100% on board with taking sanctions up –especially on the Russian oil majors — to ranges that might convey the Russian Federation to the desk,” Bessent stated.

The nominee additionally stated “the tragedy happening in Ukraine is among the best tragedies of my grownup life, and ending that as quickly as attainable — and any function that Treasury can play in, that if confirmed, I wish to do.”