Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to end the war in Ukraine immediately or face severe economic consequences, including taxes, tariffs, and sanctions.
Taking to Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump cautioned Moscow that prolonging the conflict would only worsen the situation.
“Settle now and STOP this ridiculous war! IT’S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE,” Trump wrote.
“If we don’t make a ‘deal’ soon, I will have no choice but to impose high levels of Taxes, Tariffs, and Sanctions on all goods sold by Russia to the United States and other participating nations,” he continued.
Trump emphasized the urgency of negotiations, stating, “Let’s get this war, which never would have started if I were President, over with! We can do it the easy way or the hard way, and the easy way is always better. It’s time to MAKE A DEAL. NO MORE LIVES SHOULD BE LOST!!!”
The former president, who has vowed to end the nearly three-year conflict within days of returning to office, expressed his willingness to mediate between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to broker a resolution.
“I’m not looking to hurt Russia. I love the Russian people and have always had a very good relationship with President Putin, despite the Radical Left’s Russia, Russia, Russia HOAX,” Trump stated. “We must never forget that Russia helped us win World War II, sacrificing nearly 60 million lives in the process.”
Trump also claimed that Zelensky is open to negotiations. “Zelensky wants to make a deal. I don’t know if Putin does. He should. I think he’s destroying Russia by not making a deal,” he said.
The post followed Trump’s criticism of Putin for continuing the war despite reports of over 700,000 Russian casualties and an economic downturn, with inflation nearing 10%.
“He can’t be thrilled,” Trump said. “He’s not doing so well. I mean, he’s grinding it out … it’s not making him look very good.”
Trump concluded by reiterating his belief that Putin’s refusal to negotiate is detrimental to Russia’s future. “I think he’s destroying Russia by not making a deal,” he added.
