Chairman of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee from the Democratic Party, Ron Wyden, has addressed an official letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, urging him to confirm a firm commitment to the enforcement of sanctions imposed against the Russian Federation, reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference to Reuters.
In his letter, Wyden emphasized the importance of maintaining strict restrictions in light of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. He specifically referred to the recent deal between the United States and Ukraine concerning critical minerals, as well as an investment agreement. Wyden requested clarification on how these initiatives would strengthen Ukraine’s post-war security without benefiting any organizations or nations that have supported Russia’s military efforts.
The senator also quoted Bessent’s statements made during his confirmation hearings, recalling that the current Treasury Secretary had expressed willingness to tighten sanctions on Russia — including those targeting oil companies — if such a request were made by former President Donald Trump as a measure to help end the war.
Another key point in Wyden’s letter concerned Bessent’s comments made to Fox News, where the secretary did not rule out the possibility of Russian banks being reconnected to the international SWIFT payment system. In response, Wyden asked directly whether the U.S. Treasury would allow Russian banks to rejoin SWIFT without a comprehensive peace agreement with Ukraine that would fully resolve Russia’s unprovoked invasion.
Earlier we wrote that Trump promises NATO protection.