Russia sanctions deliberation widens as Bessent implies potential comprehensive measures could be deployed

In an interview with Fox News, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discussed the potential for new sanctions against Russia in response to the continued bombardment of Ukraine.

During the interview, which took place at Martin's Tavern in Washington, D.C., Bessent addressed the strained U.S.-India relationship, citing India's purchases of Russian oil as a factor in the slow progress of U.S.-India trade talks and the White House's decision to raise tariffs on India.

Bessent expressed his belief that India's values are closer to the U.S. than to Russia's, and he dismissed India's participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as largely performative.

Regarding the situation in Ukraine, Bessent strongly condemned the recent attack that resulted in at least 17 deaths and 48 injuries in Kyiv. He described Putin's increased bombing campaign as despicable and suggested that the attack could be a signal that Putin is using diplomacy to gain more time to advance his goals and continue attacking Ukraine.

Bessent also stated that the U.S. government is currently considering expanding sanctions against Russia in multiple phases, including higher tariffs on Russia's trade partners like India and potentially China. The aim of these sanctions is to weaken Russia's economic base and pressure President Putin toward a peace agreement in the Ukraine conflict.

However, Bessent added that the exact details and timing of these new sanctions remain unclear, as the administration has only signaled readiness for additional measures without specifying them. He also mentioned that all options are on the table and will be examined closely this week.

The Senate is also ready to hit Russia with hard sanctions if a peace deal fails. Experts suggest that the attack could be a sign that Putin is using diplomacy to buy more time to advance his goals and continue attacking Ukraine.

This report was contributed to by Fox News Digital's Diana Stancy and FOX Business' Eric Revell.

Russia sanctions deliberation widens as Bessent implies potential comprehensive measures could be deployed