President Donald Trump on Friday warned Moscow he was ‘strongly considering’ imposing sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and peace agreement is reached with Ukraine.
It marks a shift in tone after Trump worried allies with warm words about how trusted President Vladimir Putin and a call for Moscow to be readmitted to the G7.
A senior administration official said ‘the president’s has intensified over Russia escalating as he’s trying to get both sides to the table.’
Trump took to his Truth Social platform to express his fury.
‘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,’ he posted.
‘To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late.’
He offered no further details on his plans.
However, the U.S., Europe and other nations have already imposed thousands of sanctions on Russia—focused on the oil industry and finance sector—designed to hobble its economy and increase pressure to end the war.
Trump’s strong words come as Russia keeps up its barrage on Ukraine, and amid signs it is about to launch a major spring offensive. Trump promised to end the conflict on day one of his presidency.
The complexity of the task means he has dropped that target but still wants to end the war as fast as possible.
His administration has choked off military aid and intelligence to Ukraine to pressure it into a deal.
Trump’s strong words come as Russia keeps up its barrage on Ukraine, and amid signs it is about to launch a major spring offensive.
