US Government Prepares Significant Sanctions Against Russia Amid Ongoing Conflict

Fri Oct 24 2025 22:42:55 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As tensions escalate in Ukraine, the US Treasury Secretary announces forthcoming substantial sanctions targeting Russia, coinciding with discussions on NATO's peace strategy.

The US government is set to announce a major increase in sanctions against Russia, as stated by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. This comes amidst continued hostilities in Ukraine, where recent Russian strikes have resulted in casualties, including children. With a meeting at the White House involving NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, discussions are focused on peace efforts and military support for Ukraine, while US lawmakers await approval to implement further sanctions.

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 stated he believes that Trump is the only one who can get this done.

At least seven people were killed, including two children, during intense Russian drone and missile strikes on Ukraine - just hours after Trump announced that plans for a meeting with Vladimir Putin in Budapest had been shelved.

Bessent provided no further details on the incoming sanctions, but stated 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 enforcing steep sanctions against Russia and targeting countries that purchase oil from the Kremlin.

During the meeting at the White House, Rutte was expected to discuss a 12-point plan formulated by European NATO allies and Kyiv, which would see the current front lines frozen, a return of deported children as well as a prisoner exchange between the two warring countries.

The plan also includes a recovery fund for Ukraine, security pathways, a clear pathway for Ukraine's EU membership, and increased military aid while applying economic pressure on Moscow.

Earlier this week, Trump expressed a desire to avoid a wasted meeting with Putin and suggested that the primary issue is Moscow's refusal to cease fighting along the current front line.

A preparatory meeting between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was due this week but was deemed unnecessary after a productive call.

Russia has resisted proposals to freeze fighting, maintaining its position on ensuring Ukrainian troops leave the Donbas region. Additionally, Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky has called for US long-range missile support as a means to compel Russia towards negotiations.