Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Russia, threatening massive sanctions over its continued attacks on Ukraine as he seeks to broker a cease-fire in the more than three-year-long war.
Trump, 78, took to Truth Social, stating that he is “strongly considering large-scale banking sanctions, sanctions, and tariffs” against “Moscow until a cease-fire and final settlement agreement on peace is reached.”
“Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large-scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED,” Trump wrote.
“To Russia “and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!”
Push for “Peace Talks Amid Military Aid Freeze
The former president has been pressuring both sides to negotiate an end to the war. His aides are scheduled to meet with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia next week.
Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed on Thursday that the discussions will focus on cease-fire plans, following Washington’s use of military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv.
Trump’s the conflict has led to tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was asked to leave the White House last Friday after a heated argument in the Oval Office.
Trump reportedly criticized Zelensky for questioning the effectiveness of a temporary cease-fire despite urging him to “get to the table” with Russia.
Tense White House Meeting with Zelensky
During the meeting, Zelensky expressed concerns over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s breaking agreements, arguing that a cease-fire alone would not ensure long-term security.
“We can’t just talk about a cease-fire and speak and speak.
It will not work,” Zelensky reportedly said, emphasizing fears of future attacks.
Trump, however, countered by arguing that stopping the fighting immediately would save Ukrainian lives.
“Look, if you could get a cease-fire right now, I tell you you’d stop the bullets from flying and your men from getting killed,” Trump said.
Security Guarantees and Economic Stakes
The Trump administration is working on a framework pact to grant the United States a 50% stake in Ukraine’s minerals. Trump claims this move would serve as an indirect security guarantee for Kyiv by ensuring a U.S. presence in the country.
Meanwhile, France and the UK have also expressed plans to deploy peacekeeping troops once fighting ends, aiming to shield Ukraine from future Russian incursions.
Biden’s approach to Russia
Trump differs from former President Joe Biden, who gradually increased economic pressure on Russia but delayed sanctioning oil exports until just 10 days before leaving office.
Biden’s adBiden’sation also refrained from sanctioning certain Russian oligarchs, including two billionaires who reportedly invested in U.S. properties alongside Hunter Biden during the Obama-Biden administration.
As Trump continues his push for a cease-fire agreement, the world watches to see whether his threats of sweeping sanctions will be enough to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table.
