The Trump administration is prepared to announce a “substantial increase in Russia sanctions” amid stalled efforts to end the war in Ukraine, Treasury Secretary Scott Besant said Wednesday.
“We’re going to announce a major increase in sanctions on Russia either late this afternoon or first thing tomorrow morning,” Besant told reporters at the White House.
Bessant did not provide details on what the sanctions would be.
The announcement comes a day after the White House said no plans President Trump is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the near future, with strong talk of a summit between the two men in Hungary in the coming weeks.
It also comes after Russia launched overnight Tuesday one more round Missile and drone attacks on Ukraine kill six people, including two children.
The Russian military invaded neighboring Ukraine in February 2022 after massing troops near the border. Trump pledged during the 2024 campaign that he would end the war in Ukraine before taking office. But he acknowledged that resolving the conflict is more difficult than expected.
A Senate bill led by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) to impose tougher sanctions on Russia has dozens of sponsors, and lawmakers have said they are waiting to move forward to the White House to bring the bill up for a vote.
