US may adjust Russia sanctions based on peace negotiations
The issue of easing sanctions on Russia could be discussed in upcoming negotiations over the war in Ukraine, according to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Speaking on Feb. 20, Bessent said the United States is prepared to either strengthen or ease sanctions, depending on Russia’s willingness to engage in meaningful peace talks, Bloomberg reported.
Bessent also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent comments that former U.S. President Donald Trump is misinformed about the war, calling them “inappropriate” and arguing they created “daylight” in U.S.-Ukraine relations.
The treasury secretary claimed that Zelenskyy had assured him before the Munich Security Conference that Ukraine would sign a $500 billion agreement granting the U.S. rights to Ukrainian mineral resources. However, Bessent noted that the deal has yet to be finalized. The agreement, he suggested, would lay the groundwork for Trump’s proposed “elegant” plan to end the war.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Feb. 19 that the Trump administration will not lift sanctions on Russia until a peace deal is reached.
Earlier that day, Rubio emphasized that all sides would need to make concessions for a settlement, but the final agreement must be acceptable to all parties.
“The goal is to end this conflict in a fair, lasting, sustainable, and acceptable manner. That is the focus of the ongoing discussions,” Rubio said.
Despite Moscow’s calls for sanctions relief, Bloomberg reports that the European Union has no immediate plans to ease restrictions on Russia.
The military war may be swinging in our favor, but the information war continues.
Just as an army needs soldiers, so does a free society need its journalists to ensure that people have access to honest, trustworthy voices to understand the world around them.
For the past five years, The New Voice of Ukraine has been working tirelessly to push back against Russian narratives and defend democracy. But we cannot do it alone.
Please consider supporting us on Patreon for just $5 a month – your donation does directly to supporting journalists and ensuring that this front of the infowar says solid and defended.
Thank you.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
