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The remarks came shortly after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged closer coordination between the US and Europe to intensify sanctions on Russia
US President Donald Trump. (File photo)
US President Donald Trump on Sunday said he is prepared to move into the “second stage” of sanctions against Russia, signalling a fresh round of economic pressure on Moscow to push it towards ending the war in Ukraine.
Asked on his way to the US Open Final if he was ready to escalate punitive measures on Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, Trump replied, “Yeah, I am.”
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The remarks came shortly after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged closer coordination between the US and Europe to intensify sanctions on Russia.
Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, Bessent argued that tougher measures could push Putin to the negotiating table over the war in Ukraine.
“If the US and the (European Union) can come in, do more sanctions, secondary tariffs on the countries that buy Russian oil, the Russian economy will be in full collapse, and that will bring President Putin to the table,” Reuters quoted Bessent as saying.
.@SecScottBessent: “We are prepared to increase pressure on Russia, but we need our European partners to follow us… If the U.S. and the EU can come in, do more sanctions, secondary tariffs on the countries that buy Russian oil, the Russian economy will be in full collapse.” pic.twitter.com/fNfGiofCsr— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 7, 2025
He added that the administration was “prepared to increase pressure on Russia.”
Bessent, who has been critical of India and China for continuing to purchase Russian oil, described both as “bad actors” propping up Moscow’s war machine.
While the US has already imposed steep tariffs—50 per cent on India for imports of Russian oil—he pressed for broader penalties and secondary sanctions.
India, however, has pushed back, accusing the West of hypocrisy.
New Delhi has argued that several European countries continue to buy large quantities of Russian energy without facing the same punitive measures.
The Trump administration’s next steps are expected to hinge on whether European allies agree to mirror Washington’s tougher approach, a move that could further attempt to isolate Moscow’s economy.
About the Author
Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be…Read More
Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be… Read More
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September 07, 2025, 22:22 IST
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