Brian Nelson, the U.S. Treasury Department’s under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, is set to leave the Biden administration to join Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. Nelson has played a key role in imposing and enforcing sanctions against Russia since the start of the country’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. He has worked with international allies to ensure these sanctions are being enforced by companies and entities. Nelson’s move to the Harris campaign is a significant hire in the wake of President Joe Biden dropping out of the presidential race and endorsing Kamala Harris. Despite the Treasury Department declining to comment on the move, Nelson’s departure marks a transition in the Biden administration’s approach to dealing with Russia.
As the presumptive Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris is gearing up to face former President Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election. While Harris has not made any comments on the Ukraine war since entering the race, her policies toward Ukraine are expected to align with Biden’s. Harris has previously shown support for Ukraine by representing the U.S. at a global peace summit in Switzerland and announcing over $1.5 billion in additional support for the country. At the Munich Security Conference in February 2023, Harris accused Russia of crimes against humanity for its actions in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for accountability for the aggressor’s actions.
Following the implementation of unprecedented sanctions against Russia by the United States and its Western allies, the Biden administration has taken a firm stance against Russia’s actions in Ukraine. At the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Washington in June, the U.S. imposed additional sanctions against 100 individuals and entities, targeting various sectors of Russia’s economy. These measures are part of a coordinated effort to hold Russia accountable for its invasion of Ukraine and support the Ukrainian government in its fight against Russian aggression. The U.S. has also demonstrated its commitment to providing military support to Ukraine, including supplying its own weapons for F-16s to be delivered to the country.
Recent developments in the Ukraine war include reports of Ukrainian strikes on a Russian oil depot in Kursk Oblast and damage to two Russian bombers in an earlier attack. The Ukrainian General Staff has provided updates on military actions, while the U.S. announced its intention to provide weapons for F-16 aircraft to be delivered to Ukraine. These updates come amidst ongoing clashes between Ukrainian forces and Russian troops, as well as ongoing diplomatic efforts to support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable for its actions in the region. The conflict in Ukraine remains a major international issue, with various countries and international organizations working together to address the crisis and support the Ukrainian government in its struggle for sovereignty and peace.
