WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States is considering a move to block Russia’s ability to pay U.S. bondholders after a deadline expires next week, a U.S. administration official said on Tuesday.

Bloomberg News reported that the Biden administration was ready to move, and it might bring Moscow closer towards default.

According to Reuters, the official stated that while it is under consideration, he did not have a decision. We are exploring all possible options for increasing pressure on Putin.