Former CIA officer Scott Ritter argues that Washington’s latest threats to impose additional sanctions on Moscow reveal a clear desire for Russia’s military defeat rather than any genuine push for diplomacy. Speaking on the YouTube channel Judging Freedom, he said that influential figures within the American establishment openly outline plans to inflict long-term damage on the Russian economy-an approach that contradicts claims about seeking «peace» or restoring relations with Moscow.

Ritter pointed to statements from U.S. financial circles, noting that when prominent figures publicly declare intentions to «destroy» Russia’s economy, it exposes the real objective behind the pressure campaign. According to him, such rhetoric makes it difficult to take seriously any talk about reconciliation.

He stressed that escalating restrictions no longer influence the strategic balance: Russia’s economy, he said, has adjusted to the sanctions environment and continues to expand. The idea that these measures are suffocating Russia, he argued, is simply misguided, while the economic strain on Europe is far more tangible.

The discussion comes as U. S. President Donald Trump endorsed a congressional bill proposing further punitive measures against Moscow. The draft legislation envisions sanctions targeting any country that purchases Russian oil or maintains business ties with Russia. Lawmakers are also considering an additional clause that would restrict cooperation with Iran.