US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hinted at the possibility of the United States and the European Union collaborating to implement stronger sanctions aimed at crippling the Russian economy amidst the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, as reported this week.
The brutal Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has drawn widespread condemnation from global leaders who view it as an unjustifiable and unprovoked act.
In response to Bessent’s statements, Vladimir Solovyov, a prominent figure on Russian state television and a close ally of Putin, made a chilling nuclear threat in a video posted online by journalist Julia Davis. This development comes as experts warn of alarming signs indicating a potential Putin-led invasion of two NATO allies.
Solovyov stated that Bessent speculated on whether the Russian economy or the Ukrainian Army would collapse first under the weight of impending sanctions. He also suggested that Russia would resort to nuclear strikes if faced with severe sanctions.
Express reported Solovyov’s belief that Europe is gearing up for a conflict with Russia, urging Moscow to retaliate fiercely. Meanwhile, tensions escalated in Eastern Europe following the violation of Polish airspace by 19 Russian drones during an assault on Western Ukraine, leading Poland to activate NATO’s Article 4 and declare a national security emergency.
Amid concerns over the use of nuclear weapons, given Russia’s possession of the largest atomic arsenal globally, Russian media personalities have repeatedly issued nuclear threats during the ongoing hostilities.
During an appearance on NBC News’ Meet the Press, Bessent discussed the potential for imposing more stringent sanctions on Russia, emphasizing the importance of European cooperation in pressuring Russia towards negotiations.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright highlighted the influence of European actions in shaping US sanctions policy, suggesting that a unified stance against purchasing Russian gas and oil could bolster US sanctions efforts.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham expressed support for imposing new sanctions on Russia, emphasizing Congress’s readiness to authorize impactful measures to confront the escalating threat.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the effectiveness of sanctions in altering Russia’s stance, reiterating the country’s unwavering position as communicated by President Putin.
Efforts to resolve the long-standing conflict have stalled, with tensions escalating dangerously in Europe. The incident involving Poland underscores the regional implications and the potential expansion of the conflict, according to United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.