U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent Tells Russian Counterpart No Sanctions Relief Without End to Ukraine War
Meeting between Scott Bessent and Anton Siluanov at G20 summit highlights U.S. diplomatic outreach despite ongoing conflict
Quick Look
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met with Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov at the G20 summit in Asheville, North Carolina, stating that no sanctions relief or new agreements are possible while the war in Ukraine continues.
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Why It Matters
The meeting occurred at a G20 summit in North Carolina. Russia has been under international sanctions since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly told Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov that no sanctions relief or new agreements with Moscow were possible, as long as the war in Ukraine continues.
The two officials met on the sidelines of a Group of 20 finance leaders' gathering in Asheville, North Carolina.
Bessent's remarks came as Siluanov's first in-person appearance at the summit since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 drew objections from other European leaders. European governments have planned to expand sanctions to further squeeze Moscow's economy and finances.
The rare meeting underscored Washington's willingness to reopen high-level diplomatic channels with Moscow, even as European allies have intended to keep the nation isolated while the war continues.
Bessent made it clear to Siluanov that "nothing is possible until the war is over," when the Russian minister brought up other areas of mutual interest, Reuters reported.
The meeting centered on President Donald Trump's peace plan for Ukraine and economic growth, according to Axios, while Russia's finance ministry described the discussions as covering financial cooperation between the two nations within the G20 framework.
Open Questions
- What specific elements of Trump's peace plan were discussed?
- How will European allies respond to the U.S. engaging with Siluanov?
