Reuters: Democrats demand explanation from US Treasury on possibility of Russia's return to SWIFT
Ron Wyden, the Democratic chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, has urged US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to commit to ensuring compliance with sanctions against Russia. This was reported by Reuters, citing a letter.
Wyden also asked Bissant to explain how new agreements between the U.S. and Ukraine – particularly regarding critical raw materials and investment – will help strengthen Ukraine's security after the war, rather than benefiting countries or companies that support Russia.
In addition, Wyden asked for clarification of Bentsen's statement on Fox News, in which the minister did not rule out the possibility of Russia's return to the international payment system SWIFT, from which the country was excluded in 2022.
"Will the U.S. Treasury allow Russian banks to rejoin SWIFT in the absence of a comprehensive peace agreement with Ukraine that fully resolves the issue of Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine?" Wyden asked Bentsen.
The senator also inquired whether Bessent would uphold the G7 commitments to prevent Russia from using the international financial system to finance the war.
Wyden recalled that during his confirmation hearing, Bentsen stated his willingness to impose tougher sanctions, including against Russian oil companies, if Donald Trump demanded it.
At the time, Bessant called the war in Ukraine "one of the greatest tragedies of his adult life."
- Russian President Putin previously stated that he would only implement the agreement on a temporary ceasefire if the EU allows Rosselkhozbank to return to the international payment system SWIFT, which is based in Belgium.
