US and Europe to Explore Economic Pressure on Russia
Officials from the US and Europe convened at the U.S. Treasury Department to explore different types of economic pressure on Russia, such as new sanctions and tariffs on purchases of Russian oil, according to a source close to the meeting who spoke to The Associated Press.
The individual, speaking anonymously about the meeting, stated that US officials highlighted to their European allies that President Donald Trump is prepared to take substantial measures to conclude the war but anticipates complete collaboration from European partners in any actions undertaken.
The less than two-hour meeting emphasized tariff measures, the necessity for joint action on decided sanctions, and strategies for handling Russian sovereign assets largely frozen in Europe, among other topics.
Treasury Department officials, including Secretary Scott Bessent, along with representatives from the White House, State Department, and U.S.
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Trade Representative attended the meetings on Monday. The European team comprises personnel concentrating on energy, sanctions, financial services, and trade.
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The meeting occurs as Trump has been seeking Russian President Vladimir Putin's agreement to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for direct discussions aimed at resolving the 3 1/2-year conflict. Last month, Trump met with the Russian leader for a summit in Alaska.
It also follows a deadline imposed by Trump in August for the Kremlin to conclude its invasion, which has now elapsed.
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Trump stated on Sunday that he anticipated speaking with Putin in the coming days and recognized that the conflict had turned out to be more difficult to resolve than he expected.