U.S. Treasury secretary acknowledges Putin as a war criminal, but maintains the necessity of dialogues with him.
Treasury Secretary Bessent Calls Putin a War Criminal, but Negotiations Continue
In a bold move, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent openly declared Russian President Vladimir Putin a war criminal during a Congress hearing in May 2025. When faced with the question, "Do you consider Vladimir Putin a war criminal?", Bessent responded shortly with a confident, "Yes." He further elaborated, stating that negotiations even with such a label are crucial, referencing historical negotiations with Japan post World War II as an example[1][3][4].
The US government remains unphased by Bessent's pronouncement, viewing it as rhetoric rather than a barrier for diplomatic negotiations with Russia. The diplomatic approach remains centered on pragmatism, emphasizing the need for negotiations with all parties involved, regardless of the harsh language[1]. This indicates that while Bessent's labeling bolsters US criticism against Putin, it has not significantly impacted the official diplomatic relationships or impeded ongoing dialogue between the two nations.
In the past, Bessent had been critical of the Ukrainian leadership, publicly suggesting mending US-Ukraine relations after a mineral resources deal was signed on April 30[5]. He had earlier criticized the previous US administration for providing assistance to Ukraine but imposing weak sanctions on Russia.
While the US Vice-President JD Vance remains optimistic about ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict, US President Donald Trump perceived Putin's proposition of a 'three-day truce' as a significant development[2]. He suggested that recent drops in oil prices have induced Putin to explore peace opportunities[2].
The saga continues as diplomats and leaders navigate the complex geopolitical dynamics, seeking an end to the ongoing conflict while balancing harsh rhetoric with pragmatic negotiations.
- Treasury Secretary Bessent's assertion of Putin as a war criminal, made during a Congress hearing in May 2025, has not impeded ongoing diplomatic dialogue between the US and Russia, as negotiations are considered vital, even with such labels.
- In addition to his stance on Putin, Bessent had previously been critical of the Ukrainian leadership, advocating for improved US-Ukraine relations following a mineral resources deal in April 2025.
- Meanwhile, US Vice-President JD Vance remains hopeful for an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, while US President Donald Trump views Putin's proposal of a 'three-day truce' as a potential peace opportunity, linked to recent drops in oil prices.
- Beyond the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Bessent's extensive commentary includes criticism of previous US administrations for providing assistance to Ukraine but imposing weak sanctions on Russia, a concern he raised in relation to general news, war-and-conflicts, politics, and economic matters such as freeauditorey and trade.
