US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent held a meeting on October 14 with Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, after which he confirmed that the United States is prepared to further intensify sanctions pressure on Russia in cooperation with G7 partners. He also emphasized the importance of consolidated actions not only against Russia but also against those countries that support the Russian military machine by purchasing Russian oil.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Support for Ukraine and Cooperation with the G7
The US Treasury Department noted in a statement that Bessent urged European allies to ramp up the campaign of economic pressure on countries that finance Russian aggression. A particular emphasis was placed on the need to complicate Russia’s access to funds that are directed towards waging war against Ukraine.
“The Secretary reaffirmed the unwavering support of the United States for Ukraine’s sovereignty and emphasized the United States’ commitment to ensuring a durable and lasting peace. The Secretary thanked the Prime Minister for her ongoing support of the US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund and highlighted the importance of regular meetings between the US and Ukraine within this vital partnership,” the statement said.
Yulia Svyrydenko thanked Scott Bessent for his decisive stance on sanctions policy alongside G7 countries and for supporting sanctions not only against Russia but also against states that facilitate the financing of the war through the purchase of Russian oil.
Investment Fund and Energy Security
The Prime Minister reported that the US-Ukrainian Investment Fund has already begun operations, and a few important decisions remain to be made for its full functionality. The first list of potential projects focused on critical minerals, energy, and infrastructure is already being formed. According to Svyrydenko, Ukraine is demonstrating reliability as a partner for joint Ukrainian-American business initiatives.
During the meeting, the parties also discussed ways to strengthen Europe’s energy security. Svyrydenko emphasized that Russia must lose any leverage over European partners and sources of funding that are used to continue the war. She stressed the importance of unity within the international community in countering these threats.
It is worth noting that on October 9, a Ukrainian delegation led by Yulia Svyrydenko, along with the head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak and the President’s Commissioner for Sanctions Policy Vladyslav Vlasiyuk, traveled to the US.
On October 10, one of the largest attacks by the Russian Federation on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure occurred – emergency power outages were implemented in nine regions. On the same day, G7 ambassadors in Ukraine held an urgent meeting with Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk and leaders of energy companies to discuss support for Ukrainian energy in response to the Russian attacks.
This was the second meeting of G7 representatives with Ukrainian energy officials in a week: the previous one took place on October 7 after massive strikes on gas supply facilities that are critical for the heating season.