Accra:US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent clarified that no sanctions on Russia have been lifted, despite President Donald Trump's decision to waive new punitive measures amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

According to Anadolu Agency, Bessent emphasized that no sanctions were lifted on Friday, explaining that the administration has been granted a 60-day period to assess the situation. He noted that the only change was the lifting of the diesel embargo, while existing sanctions remain in place.

Bessent highlighted Trump's firm stance against Moscow, referencing sanctions on Russia's two largest energy companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, which he described as a significant blow to the Russian energy sector.

The comments followed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's warning that aligning with Russian President Vladimir Putin would be a 'historic mistake' for Washington. Zelenskyy expressed hope for Trump to reconsider his decisions, while stressing the challenges Ukraine faces without US support.

Zelenskyy also mentioned interruptions in US intelligence sharing and restrictions on satellite communications vital for Ukraine's defense. Bessent dismissed these allegations and denied any US alignment with Moscow, citing continued US intelligence support, Starlink access, and NATO members' ability to purchase American weapons for Ukraine.

Bessent also criticized European nations for their continued energy purchases from Russia, arguing that they have provided Moscow with more financial support than they have given to Ukraine.