Trump Threatens 'Large Scale' Sanctions on Russia Over Ukraine War

What Happened?

President Donald Trump has announced he is 'strongly considering' imposing sweeping sanctions on Russia until a ceasefire and peace agreement is reached with Ukraine.

Trump took to Truth Social Friday to express his concerns as Russia continues 'pounding' and enforcing military efforts upon Kyiv on the battlefield.

'I am strongly considering large scale banking sanctions, sanctions, and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED,' said Trump. 'To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!'

Military aid and intelligence sharing to Ukraine has also reportedly been paused following President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent tense Oval Office meeting at the White House.

The Trump administration is now pressuring Ukraine to accept a ceasefire deal in addition to some pressure on Russia.

Russia is again under the spotlight after an overnight attack with dozens of missiles and drones on Ukrainian energy facilities.

According to reports, the attacks affected the country’s ability to deliver heat and light to its citizens and power vital weapon systems for defense.

At least 10 people were reportedly wounded just days after the U.S. suspended its military aid and intelligence to Ukraine.

Why it Matters

President Zelenskyy previously expressed concerns surrounding a deal to end its war with Russia.

He claimed Ukraine wants to resolve the ongoing conflict but insists that Russia does not, citing a recent number of aerial attacks.

'Over the past week, more than 1,050 attack drones, nearly 1,300 aerial bombs, and more than 20 missiles have been launched at Ukraine to destroy cities and kill people,' Zelenskyy said on social platform X. 'Those who seek negotiations do not deliberately strike civilians with ballistic missiles.'

Zelenskyy said that Ukraine needs greater collective strength from the world to mitigate these Russian attacks.

This prompted Zelenskyy to travel to London to gain more support for Ukraine from his European counterparts.

The Ukrainian leader still believes a deal to end the war 'is still very, very far away.'

Trump has faced criticism for doubling down on Ukraine and insisting that Kyiv, not Russia, was responsible for starting the war.

But pressure now pointed to Russia could disrupt one of the world's biggest oil producers.

These potential sanctions by the U.S. could limit Russia's oil and gas revenues, including a cap of $60 per barrel on its oil exports.

Thousands of sanctions were imposed by the U.S. and its partners after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

How it Affects You

Putin and Trump could still reportedly meet in person very soon.

The Trump administration appears to be shifting its strategy to resolving this ongoing three-year conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Political tensions have reached a boiling point as negotiations have seemed to take a critical pause.

U.S. officials were in the final stages of negotiating a minerals deal that could potentially be at risk if Ukraine is no longer on the same page.

Until then, much remains at stake amid ceasefire uncertainty.