Washington Cited 'Lesser Evil' as Reason for Easing Oil Sanctions Against Russia — NBC
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the temporary lifting of restrictions on trade in Russian oil is a strategic move to stabilize the global energy market.
According to the U.S. Treasury Department’s estimates, this decision will bring Moscow about $2 billion in additional revenue, which, according to the minister, is equivalent to just one day’s spending from the Russian federal budget.
In an interview with NBC News, the Treasury Secretary explained that the U.S. administration acted amid a severe crisis in the Persian Gulf.
The easing of sanctions prevented an uncontrolled rise in oil prices, which could have brought Russia significantly greater profits due to the global energy shortage.
Scott Bessent provided specific calculations to justify Washington’s position.
“Which is better—Russia will get more money if oil rises to $150 and they get 70% of that? That’s $105. Or if oil stays below $100, and they get less money?” the minister asked rhetorically, adding that $2 billion is the “maximum additional amount” the aggressor could receive.
During the conversation, the journalist noted that without easing sanctions, Russia could end up with no funds at all.
However, Bessent dismissed these assumptions, pointing out the existence of a “shadow fleet” and alternative markets that the United States cannot fully block on its own.
The minister paid special attention to Beijing’s role in supporting the Russian economy.
He emphasized that Moscow would have sold sanctioned oil to China in any case, since “we have no leverage over China on this issue.”
Bessent urged critics to “assess the situation correctly” and recognize the real limits of sanctions pressure.
As a reminder, the U.S. lifted sanctions on several Russian companies and businessmen.
Additionally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on March 22, 2026, that the easing of international sanctions allowed Russia to increase its crude oil sales to finance its armed aggression.
