After weeks of distancing the U.S. from Ukraine, President Donald Trump threatened to impose expanded ‘large scale’ sanctions and tariffs on Russia until it reaches a peace agreement with Ukraine.
Trump’s statement in Truth Social is as follows: “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!!!”
During his press conference it is asked that if he thinks Russian President Vladimir Putin is taking advantage of the U.S., Trump said he doesn’t think so and feels the Russian leader wants to put an end to the war and reach a settlement: “I actually think he’s doing what anybody else would do,. I think he’s hitting them harder than he’s been hitting him, and I think probably anybody in that position would be doing that right now.”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent seemed to preview additional sanctions on Russia in remarks before the Economic Club of New York. He said that the Trump administration has kept enhanced sanctions on Russia in place and is prepared to go “all in” if it would “provide leverage in peace negotiations.”
“Per President Trump’s guidance, sanctions will be used explicitly and aggressively for immediate maximum impact,” Bessent said.
