Trump Considers New Sanctions on Russia

Trump Signals Potential Sanctions and Tariffs on Russia Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict

On Friday, former President Donald Trump announced that he is “strongly considering” implementing significant sanctions and tariffs against Russia in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine. He emphasized that these measures would remain in effect until a cease-fire and a lasting peace agreement are achieved.

In a post shared on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump referenced the current intensity of the conflict, which has now entered its fourth year. "We are witnessing a perilous state of the war. Russia is, without a doubt, ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now," he noted. Highlighting the urgency of the situation, he expressed his contemplation of comprehensive financial sanctions, including "large scale Banking Sanctions, Tariffs on Russia, and further sanctions until we reach a Cease Fire and a FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE." He urged both Russia and Ukraine to negotiate before the situation escalates even further, stating, "Get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!"

This stance marks a significant shift in Trump’s approach towards the war in Ukraine. Historically, he has aligned himself with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s narrative, frequently criticizing Ukraine’s actions in the conflict. His recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky resulted in an abrupt halt to U.S. financial aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, further complicating the dynamics of U.S. involvement in the crisis.

Despite recent tensions, Trump and Zelensky have engaged in dialogue to mend relations, particularly after Zelensky’s visit to the White House, which ended without a crucial agreement on revenue-sharing from Ukraine’s rare earth metals mining. Trump has insisted that securing this minerals deal is essential for the U.S., positing it as a necessary form of reimbursement for the substantial military assistance — exceeding $100 billion — provided to Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression. Both leaders have indicated a desire to resume discussions surrounding this deal.

While Trump has frequently spoken about the engagements with Ukraine, he has been more reserved regarding Russia’s role and its objectives in the ongoing conflict. Notably, Russian officials have been in talks with senior Trump administration members in Saudi Arabia, signaling some willingness from Moscow to consider negotiations. However, there has been no official confirmation from Russian leaders regarding their acceptance of a cease-fire or any formal agreement to conclude the war.

U.S. officials have commented that Russia has displayed an openness to engage in further discussions regarding the conflict, yet have cautioned that Moscow has not indicated a readiness to accept any immediate cease-fire. This uncertainty adds complexity to the situation as diplomatic efforts continue.

Trump, in a recent Oval Office address, stated that "U.S. negotiators have made significant progress with both Ukraine and Russia in the past few days," though he refrained from providing specific details on the nature or implications of these advancements.

In his latest remarks, Trump seemed to imply a sense of inevitability regarding negotiations, stating, "I think what’s going to happen is Ukraine wants to make a deal because I don’t think they have a choice. I also think that Russia wants to make a deal because, in a certain different way — a different way that only I know, only I know — they have no choice." This perspective reflects his belief that both parties may be converging toward a resolution due to the ongoing pressures of the conflict.

Trump’s declarations about impending sanctions and tariffs, combined with his calls for diplomatic engagement, highlight ongoing tensions and the evolving nature of U.S. foreign policy concerning the Ukraine war. His provocative statements and insistence on negotiations underscore his complex and often controversial stance on international issues, particularly in relation to Russia and Ukraine. As the situation continues to develop, the implications of Trump’s potential policy changes remain to be seen.

The reporting on this unfolding narrative involves contributions from correspondents Ivan Nechepurenko and Nataliya Vasilyeva, who have been covering the intricacies of the conflict from Tbilisi and Istanbul, respectively. As the war continues to shape geopolitical tensions and international relations, the focus remains on achieving a sustainable peace for Ukraine and the broader region.