The conflict between Russia and the West has reached a new level of tension. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signaled that the U.S. and the European Union are preparing to impose heavier sanctions designed to “collapse” the Russian economy, intensifying the economic front of the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russian state TV host and Putin ally Vladimir Solovyov responded with a chilling threat, declaring that Moscow could answer such pressure not at the negotiating table, but with nuclear weapons. His words come as experts warn that Europe is preparing for the possibility of wider war, while Poland triggered NATO’s Article 4 after Russian drones violated its airspace.

In Washington, U.S. officials emphasized their push for unity with Europe in targeting Russia’s oil and gas revenues, with Bessent noting that the collapse of Russia’s economy could force Putin to the table. Energy Secretary Chris Wright echoed that cutting off European dependence on Russian fuel could strengthen sanctions. Members of Congress, including Senator Lindsey Graham, have also urged “bone-crushing” new sanctions. Yet the rhetoric from Moscow underscores the danger: nuclear threats are becoming routine, reminding the world that this conflict holds the potential to escalate into a catastrophic global confrontation.

SOURCE: MSN