Overview

• Bessent told NBC’s Meet the Press that expanded sanctions and secondary tariffs targeting purchasers of Russian oil could collapse Russia’s economy and bring President Vladimir Putin to the table.
• He said the U.S. is ready to escalate pressure but needs European partners to align, noting outreach to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and planned talks with EU sanctions officials in Washington on Monday.
• President Donald Trump said he is prepared to move to a new phase of sanctions after reporters asked if he would escalate measures against Russia.
• Context for the push included a large overnight Russian airstrike on Kyiv that killed at least four people and set fire to a government building, according to multiple reports.
• The campaign faces legal hurdles after a federal appeals court ruled Trump exceeded his tariff authority; Bessent expressed confidence in a Supreme Court appeal and said refunds would be required on roughly half the tariffs if they lose.