Treasury Secretary Says Trump Administration Weighing New Sanctions on Russia to End Ukraine War

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the Trump administration is prepared to consider new sanctions on Russia as part of efforts to halt the war in Ukraine, telling Fox News in an interview that "all options are on the table." Bessent made the remarks in an on-camera interview with Senior National Correspondent Rich Edson at Martin’s Tavern in Washington, D.C.

"I think everything's on the table," Bessent said, accusing President Vladimir Putin of intensifying attacks on Ukraine despite recent diplomatic contacts. "President Putin, since the historic meeting in Anchorage, since the phone call, when the European leaders and President Zelensky were at the White House the following Monday, has done the opposite of following through on what he indicated he wanted to do. As a matter of fact, he has, in a despicable, despicable manner, increased the bombing campaign." Bessent added that the administration would be "examining those very closely this week."

Bessent’s comments came after a meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, between President Donald Trump and Mr. Putin that U.S. officials have described as part of an effort to advance a peace deal. According to Bessent, weeks after that meeting and subsequent high-level contacts — including a phone call and a White House visit involving European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky — Russia has continued to launch strikes on Ukrainian territory.

On Thursday, Bessent noted, Russia carried out a series of missile and drone attacks on Ukraine. The administration’s reference to sanctions signals a potential escalation of economic measures intended to pressure Moscow to change course after the diplomatic exchanges did not lead to the cessation of hostilities.

Sanctions are a key instrument of U.S. foreign policy and are typically coordinated across multiple agencies and with international partners. Bessent’s portfolio at the Treasury includes oversight of financial measures such as those administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, and his statement indicates the administration is reviewing a range of financial and economic tools.

The Trump administration has framed recent contacts with Mr. Putin as an attempt to pursue a negotiated end to the conflict. Bessent’s remarks underscore that diplomacy and economic pressure are being considered in tandem as U.S. officials assess Moscow’s actions following the talks.

Bessent’s interview did not specify which new measures the administration might impose or a timetable for action. He said only that the government would be "examining" options closely, signaling deliberations within the cabinet and among allied capitals. Any new sanctions would likely be evaluated for their potential impact on Russia’s economy and the behavior of Russian leadership, and for coordination with European and other partners.

Administration officials have previously used sanctions to target individuals, banks and sectors tied to the Kremlin, and Bessent’s remarks open the possibility of expanding or intensifying those approaches if diplomatic efforts do not reduce or halt the attacks. The Treasury secretary’s comments will likely be scrutinized in Washington and by international allies weighing how best to respond to ongoing violence in Ukraine.