The US and the EU have a plan to “bring down” the Russian economy

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has called for closer cooperation with the European Union to isolate Russia economically. On the program “Meet the Press,” he proposed introducing additional sanctions and tariffs against countries that continue to buy Russian oil.

According to NBC News, the minister said the goal is to “collapse” the Russian economy and force President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the war. The proposal was also supported by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who criticized European countries for continuing to buy Russian oil and called tariffs the right solution.

Bessent's remarks came on the day Russia launched its largest air strike on Ukraine since the war began.

At the same time, he defended Trump's economic agenda, dismissed fears of a recession, and claimed that tariffs are not a tax on ordinary Americans.

However, if the Supreme Court rejects Trump's tariff policy, the Treasury Department would have to refund half of the tariff revenue, which Bessent said would be a serious blow. He pointed out that while there are alternative ways to do this, it would weaken the president's negotiating position.

The United States continues to urge its partners to join in putting pressure on China and Russia, with negotiations on a ceasefire apparently suspended.

(lup)