US prepares new sanctions as Russian attack kills six in Ukraine

Ukraine’s energy minister said a ‘massive combined overnight attack’ on the country’s energy infrastructure was still under way early on Wednesday Picture: Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Wednesday the Trump administration is getting ready to announce increased sanctions on Russia as US-led efforts to end the war flounder and Ukraine’s president seeks more foreign military help.

“We are going to announce either after the close this afternoon or first thing tomorrow morning a substantial pickup in Russia sanctions,” Mr Bessent told reporters at the White House.