On Friday, US President Donald Trump cautioned Russian President Vladimir Putin about impending larger sanctions and tariffs until a peace agreement is achieved with Ukraine.
Conveying a strong message to the two conflicting nations — Russia and Ukraine — Trump urged that both countries should come to the negotiating table “before it is too late.”
Trump’s comments followed an ugly verbal clash with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House just days earlier. His caution also arrives as a surge of strikes occurred in Ukraine during the night.
“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. To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!” Trump posted on Truth Social.
The US President’s remarks followed reports suggesting that the United States was considering a strategy to offer partial sanction relief to Russia as Trump aimed to enhance relations with Moscow. The most recent comments differ from his recent efforts to mend ties with Putin — which were viewed as a pro-Russia position.
A Reuters report on March 4 stated that the White House requested the State and Treasury departments to identify sanctions that might be removed to facilitate future discussions between US officials and Russian representatives, as Washington aimed to restore diplomatic and economic relations with Moscow.
Trump’s successor, Joe Biden, implemented multiple sanctions on Russia as a reaction to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
