Putin is deemed a war criminal by Bessent, yet he advocates for sustained peace negotiations.
In an unprecedented move, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent openly labelled Russian President Vladimir Putin as a war criminal during a Congressional hearing on May 7. This shocking declaration came in response to a question posed by Democratic Representative Juan Vargas. Bessent, known for his critical stance towards Ukrainian leadership, particularly President Volodymyr Zelensky, stood firm in his statement.
The heated exchange occurred when Vargas asked, "Do you consider Vladimir Putin a war criminal?" To which Bessent succinctly replied, "Yes." The secretary's tone, however, shifted when Vargas followed up with, "Would you negotiate with a war criminal?" Bessent responded, "I think that's the nature of diplomacy, one must negotiate with both sides, Sir." He further elaborated by drawing a parallel to the post-World War II negotiations with Japan.
Bessent's critical comments towards Russia were framed within the context of the U.S.'s previous administration's weak sanctions and sporadic aid to Ukraine. The new administration, Bessent claimed, is more assertive and committed to fostering a lasting economic partnership with Ukraine. This partnership, evident through the recently signed minerals deal, aims to bolster Ukraine's economic recovery and underscore Washington's commitment to Ukraine as a key partner.
The minerals deal, a 50-50 joint investment fund focused on new critical minerals and energy projects, is intended to generate revenue for Ukraine's reconstruction and development. The agreement captured revenues from newly licensed projects, while existing projects and budgeted income remained outside its scope. This landmark deal was the product of intense negotiations and had previously been a point of contention between Zelensky and former U.S. President Donald Trump.
In a broader context, this economic partnership does not signal a shift towards a "reset" or a softening in U.S. negotiation strategy with Russia. Rather, it represents a long-term commitment to a peaceful, self-sufficient, and prosperous Ukraine. The U.S. Treasury maintains a hardline stance against Russian involvement in Ukraine's future, asserting that anyone who supplied the Russian war machine will be barred from profiting from Ukraine's reconstruction.
Despite labeling Putin as a war criminal, Bessent advocates for continued diplomatic engagements, reflecting a nuanced strategy that combines firm condemnation with an openness to negotiations. This approach represents a departure from the previous administration's policies, with the current administration aiming for a comprehensive economic partnership rather than merely providing temporary aid and weak sanctions.
- In response to a question about Putin, Bessent, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, agreed that he is a war criminal during a Congressional hearing, shifting his tone when asked about negotiating with a war criminal.
- Bessent's assertion comes in the context of the U.S.'s previous administration's weak sanctions and sporadic aid to Ukraine, with the new administration being more assertive and committed to a lasting economic partnership with Ukraine.
- The minerals deal, a joint investment fund, signed between the U.S. and Ukraine, is a key part of this partnership, aimed at bolstering Ukraine's economic recovery and underscoring Washington's commitment to Ukraine as a key partner.
- Despite labeling Putin as a war criminal, Bessent added that he advocates for continued diplomatic engagements, reflecting a nuanced strategy that combines firm condemnation with an openness to negotiations, a departure from the previous administration's policies.
