Treasury Secretary Bessent warns of 'a substantial pickup in Russia sanctions'

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated Wednesday that the Trump administration is set to announce “a substantial pickup in Russia sanctions” as they face increasing challenges in bringing the war between Russia and Ukraine to a halt. 

“We are going to, either announce after the close this afternoon or first thing tomorrow morning, a substantial pickup in Russia sanctions,” Bessent told reporters at the White House, according to The Hill. 

He wasn’t specific on what those sanctions would involve. This follows Tuesday’s comments from the White House that plans were off for President Donald Trump to meet in Hungary soon with Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

Last week, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky visited the White House hoping to get Tomahawk missiles from the U.S. to provide the option of ramping up attacks on Russia, but Trump said no on that for now. 

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) has taken the lead on a Senate bill to impose steep sanctions on Russia and has dozens of sponsors, according to the outlet. They are waiting for a green light from the White House before bringing the bill to the floor for a vote.