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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Evades Ally Question Amid Trump-Zelensky Tensions
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Bessent Dodges Ally Label on “Meet the Press”
During a Sunday interview on “Meet the Press,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was asked three times whether the United States considers Ukraine an ally. He responded each time by deflecting: first noting the three forms of U.S. support, then stating “I’m not the secretary of state. I’m not the president.” His remarks came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that a “historic mistake” would occur if the United States sided with Russia in the ongoing war.
Background & Context: Escalating Trump-Zelensky Dispute
The exchange follows a series of recent frictions between President Donald Trump and President Zelenskyy. Trump earlier claimed an “energy ceasefire” between Ukraine and Russia, prompting surprise among European allies. Zelenskyy subsequently halted Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy sites, then resumed them while accusing the United States of withholding intelligence on incoming Russian attacks.
Official Statements & Responses
- Zelenskyy asserted that Starlink speed limits hindered Ukrainian forces’ ability to block drones and that U.S. intelligence sharing had been temporarily blocked.
- Trump denied any cessation of intelligence sharing.
- Bessent countered Zelenskyy’s accusations, saying President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have categorically stated no administration official limited Starlink, labeling the claim “very reckless.” He added that the only sanction change was a 60-day pause to review the diesel embargo, not a broader lifting of sanctions.
- Bessent also criticized Zelenskyy for presenting a “false binary” that Ukraine must win, emphasizing that the war must end through a negotiated settlement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We provide the three different things ... to Ukraine, so that’s what you do for an ally. We’re not providing those to Russia,” — Scott Bessent, treasury secretary
- “I’m not the secretary of state. I’m not the president.” — Earlier
- “President Trump has made it clear that he wants to end this war; that it must stop. And President Zelenskyy presented a false binary this morning that Ukraine must win,” — Scott Bessent, treasury secretary
What’s Next: Pending Review of Diesel Embargo
Bessent indicated that the administration will maintain a 60-day pause on the diesel embargo to “examine what’s going on,” suggesting a short-term review before any further policy adjustments.
