The US government will impose a “substantial pickup” in sanctions against Russia as the fighting in Ukraine continues, according to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Bessent’s comments came just before Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte was due at the White House, in which he said he hopes to discuss “how to deliver” Trump’s “vision of peace” in the conflict.
Earlier in the day, Rutte said he believes that Trump is “the only one who can get this done”.
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At least seven people were killed, including two children, during intense Russian drone and missile strikes on Ukraine, hours after Trump said plans for a meeting with Vladimir Putin in Budapest had been shelved.
Bessent provided no further details on the incoming sanctions, but said they would be announced “either after the close this afternoon or first thing tomorrow morning.”
US lawmakers, including Republicans, have been waiting for a go-ahead from the White House to vote on a bill that would enforce steep sanctions against Russia and also target countries that purchase oil from the Kremlin.
Plans for a meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin have been shelved. [Getty Images]
