WASHINGTON, D.C. — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signaled that the United States is prepared to escalate economic pressure on Russia but stressed the importance of coordination with European allies.

“We are prepared to increase pressure on Russia, but we need our European partners to follow us,” Bessent said. “If the U.S. and the EU can come in, do more sanctions, secondary tariffs on the countries that buy Russian oil, the Russian economy will be in full collapse.”

The remarks highlight Washington’s push for a united front in targeting Moscow’s energy revenues, which remain a key lifeline for Russia’s wartime economy. Officials say additional sanctions and tariffs would be designed to choke off global demand for Russian oil by punishing third-party countries that continue purchasing it.

European leaders have yet to formally respond to Bessent’s call, but the proposal underscores growing U.S. pressure for stronger collective action as the conflict grinds on.