US Signals Tougher Sanctions as Russia Escalates Strikes on Ukraine, 22 Killed in Kyiv Attack

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warns “all options on the table” after Russian President Vladimir Putin intensifies airstrikes; Zelenskyy urges global action following civilian deaths, including children.

Washington DC [US], September 2 – The United States has issued a sharp warning to Moscow following a fresh wave of Russian strikes on Ukraine that left dozens dead and wounded. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in a candid interview with Fox News, said Washington is actively considering “all possible options” for sanctions against Russia, describing President Vladimir Putin’s recent actions as “despicable.”

Bessent stressed that Russia has reneged on commitments made during recent high-level engagements, including the historic Anchorage meeting in Alaska and a follow-up phone call with US President Donald Trump.

“I think everything’s on the table,” Bessent said. “President Putin, since the historic meeting in Anchorage, since the phone call, when the European leaders and President Zelensky were at the White House the following Monday, has done the opposite of following through on what he indicated he wanted to do. Instead, he has escalated bombing in a despicable manner.”

The remarks come amid intensified Russian airstrikes targeting Ukrainian cities. Kyiv bore the brunt of the latest assault, with a residential complex in the Darnytskyi district reduced to rubble.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that 22 civilians, including four children, were killed in the attack, with the youngest victim not yet three years old.

“I paid tribute to the memory of those killed at the site where a Russian ballistic missile struck a residential building. This horrific strike claimed the lives of 22 people, including 4 children. My condolences to all their families and loved ones,” Zelenskyy posted on X.

Zelenskyy added that a total of 23 people were killed and 53 injured across Kyiv that night. The fate of at least eight others remains unknown, while emergency responders continue rescue operations in devastated neighborhoods.

The Ukrainian leader praised first responders, doctors, and emergency crews for their tireless efforts but urged the international community to hold Russia accountable.

“Russia is choosing ballistics over diplomacy,” Zelenskyy said, calling on world powers to tighten pressure on Moscow.

As the humanitarian toll rises, Washington’s warning suggests that a new wave of sanctions could soon target Russia’s economy and leadership, setting the stage for an even more turbulent phase of the war.