Bessent dodges question on Ukraine's ally status, says 'I'm not Secretary of State'

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's claim that the U.S. intentionally disrupted Ukraine's Starlink access as "very irresponsible," citing President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio's denial of any such action. Bessent stated the U.S. provides Ukraine with intelligence sharing, Starlink access, and Patriot missiles through NATO, which he said are actions taken for allies, not for Russia. He also pushed back on Zelensky's criticism of Trump's tariff exemption, arguing European nations import far more Russian energy than the U.S. When asked three times whether Ukraine is a U.S. ally, Bessent gave evasive answers, ultimately saying "I'm not the Secretary of State," deflecting the diplomatic question. He also predicted oil prices would fall after the Iran conflict is resolved.