**US Ready to Crack Down on Russia**
The US is prepared to impose harsher sanctions on Russia in an effort to pressure the country into negotiations, according to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Bessent made his comments at a recent speech in New York. He criticized former President Joe Biden for imposing “weak” sanctions on Russia and said the current administration was ready to take a tougher stance.
The US has been under pressure from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with some critics accusing the previous administration of being too soft on Moscow.
Bessent said that the Biden administration had imposed weak sanctions on Russia because of concerns about rising energy prices in the US. However, he noted that these sanctions were later strengthened and would remain in place.
The treasury secretary also announced plans to intensify sanctions against Iran, which has supplied Russia with drones and short-range ballistic missiles used in attacks on Ukrainian cities.
**US to Clamp Down on Russia’s Oil Sector**
Bessent said that the US planned to shut down Iran’s oil sector and drone manufacturing capabilities. He emphasized that the US was prepared to take a hard line on Russia, saying “we are going to go all in” if it helps gain leverage in peace negotiations.
The comments come as the White House has canceled military aid to Ukraine and stopped intelligence sharing with Kyiv. However, Bessent’s remarks seemed intended to deflect criticism of the previous administration’s policy shift towards Russia.
**US and Ukraine Rebuilding Relations**
Bessent’s comments also highlighted a new era in US-Ukraine relations. Zelensky announced on March 6 that US and Ukrainian delegations had resumed cooperation and would hold talks next week.
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