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President Donald Trump on Friday threatened to impose sweeping new sanctions and tariffs on Russia until it reaches a peace agreement with Ukraine, signaling a dramatic shift after weeks of distancing the U.S. from the conflict.
“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 on Truth Social. “To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!”
Trump: Ukraine Must “Want to Settle”
Despite his tough stance on sanctions, Trump struck a different tone when speaking to reporters in the Oval Office later that day. He suggested that Ukraine’s position was weak and that negotiating with Russia might be easier than dealing with Kyiv.
“They don’t have the cards,” Trump said of Ukraine. “In terms of getting a final settlement, it may be easier dealing with Russia, which is surprising, because they have all the problems, and they’re bombing the hell out of ’em right now.”
When asked whether Russian President Vladimir Putin was taking advantage of the U.S., Trump rejected the notion.
“I actually think he’s doing what anybody else would do,” Trump said. “I think he’s hitting them harder than he’s been hitting them, and I think probably anybody in that position would be doing that right now.”
Trump reiterated his belief that Russia never would have invaded Ukraine if he had remained in office and blamed President Joe Biden for the war.
Military Aid on Hold as Trump Pushes for Peace Talks
The Trump administration has halted military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine in recent weeks, leaving Kyiv scrambling for support. Trump suggested that U.S. assistance could resume but only if Ukraine agrees to negotiate a settlement.
“I have to know that they want to settle,” he said. “I don’t know that they want to settle. If they don’t want to settle, we’re out of there because we want them to settle, and I’m doing it to stop death.”
He also called on Europe to increase its support for Ukraine. “This thing could end up in World War III if we don’t get it settled,” he warned.
New Sanctions on Russia?
Trump’s threat to impose “large scale” sanctions on Russia marks a stark contrast to his administration’s recent approach. His comments came just a week after a heated Oval Office exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy derailed a potential rare earth minerals deal between the two nations. The fallout raised concerns among European allies that U.S. support for Ukraine was softening.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hinted at possible sanctions during remarks at the Economic Club of New York on Thursday. “Per President Trump’s guidance, sanctions will be used explicitly and aggressively for immediate maximum impact,” Bessent said.
He also accused the Biden administration of implementing “weak sanctions” on Russia’s energy sector, which he claimed allowed Moscow to continue financing its war effort. However, Bessent’s assertion that Biden lifted sanctions on Russia in January remains unclear. The Treasury Department has not responded to requests for clarification.
Zelenskyy Calls for Ceasefire After Russian Assault
As Trump weighed new sanctions, Ukraine suffered a massive Russian missile and drone attack on its energy infrastructure. President Zelenskyy called for a truce in the air and at sea, stating that Ukraine remains committed to peace.
“In total, the Russians launched nearly 70 missiles, both cruise and ballistic, as well as almost 200 attack drones,” Zelenskyy said in a Telegram post. “All of this was directed at infrastructure that ensures normal life.”
He emphasized that Ukraine has “wanted peace from the very first second of this war” and vowed to continue defending the country’s sovereignty.
Ukraine’s air defenses, strengthened by F-16s and Mirage-2000 jets provided by France, helped repel some of the attacks. French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed that Europe would continue supporting Ukraine, even if U.S. aid wanes.
Diplomatic Push in Saudi Arabia
National Security Adviser Mike Waltz announced that he and Secretary of State Marco Rubio would meet with Ukrainian officials next week in Saudi Arabia to restart peace negotiations.
The move underscores Trump’s desire to broker a deal between Russia and Ukraine, though his shifting rhetoric has left U.S. allies uncertain about Washington’s long-term commitment to Kyiv.
