- U.S. President Donald Trump considers imposing sweeping sanctions on Russia's banking, oil and goods sectors to pressure Moscow into a Ukraine ceasefire, targeting its oil-dependent economy.
- Trump has paused U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, leaving Kyiv vulnerable amid intensified Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure.
- Trump believes Russia holds the upper hand and may agree to a settlement, though critics fear this could embolden Putin, while supporters see it as pragmatic.
- Russia already faces over 20,000 sanctions, but Trump's proposed measures aim to deepen pressure, though their impact is uncertain without global unity given Russia's ties to China and others.
- U.S. and Ukrainian officials are set to meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss peace.
In a dramatic escalation of his efforts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine, President Donald Trump has announced he is strongly considering
imposing sweeping sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and peace agreement is reached. This move comes as Russia intensifies its military campaign against Ukraine, launching a barrage of missiles and drones targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
The proposed sanctions would target Russia's banking sector, oil majors and oilfield service companies, building on measures already implemented by the Biden administration.
These sanctions aim to cripple Russia's economy, which is heavily reliant on oil exports and force Moscow to halt its aggression. Tariffs, meanwhile, would impose additional costs on Russian goods entering the U.S. – further squeezing the Kremlin’s financial resources.
Trump's approach reflects his belief that Russia holds the upper hand in the conflict. In a candid statement, he acknowledged that dealing with Ukraine has become increasingly difficult, while suggesting that Moscow might be more amenable to a settlement.
"I find that in terms of getting a final settlement,
it may be easier dealing with Russia—which is surprising—because they have all the cards," Trump said. This stark assessment underscores the president's pragmatic, if controversial, approach to diplomacy.
The sanctions followed Trump's decision to pause military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, a move that has drawn sharp criticism. While the president insists it is necessary to pressure Kyiv to the negotiating table critics argue that his strategy risks emboldening his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. By pausing military aid to Ukraine and signaling a willingness to ease sanctions on Russia’s energy sector, the U.S. appears to be weakening Kyiv's position at a critical juncture. (Related:
Trump Administration explores sanctions relief for Russia amid push to end Ukraine conflict and stop Europe's senseless military alliance.)
Trump urges Moscow and Kyiv to talk "before it is too late"
Trump's allies see his approach as a necessary recalibration of U.S. policy, arguing that endless military aid to Ukraine without a clear path to peace only prolongs the suffering and instability in the region. By leveraging sanctions and tariffs, Trump aims to create a scenario where both Russia and Ukraine have no choice but to negotiate.
"To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late," Trump urged in a recent statement.
The stakes are undeniably high. Russia is already subject to over 20,000 sanctions imposed by the U.S. and its allies since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. These measures have had a significant impact on Russia's economy, but they have not deterred Putin from continuing the war. Trump’s proposed sanctions would deepen this economic pressure, but their effectiveness remains uncertain.
Critics warn that without a unified international response, Russia could find ways to circumvent the measures, particularly through trade with China and other non-aligned nations. Meanwhile, the suspension of U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine has raised concerns about the immediate impact on the battlefield, leaving Kyiv in a precarious position as it faces relentless Russian attacks.
Despite these challenges, negotiations between the U.S. and Ukraine appear to be resuming. Senior U.S. officials are set to meet with a Ukrainian delegation in Saudi Arabia to discuss a potential peace framework.
Steve Witkoff, U.S. special envoy for the Middle East, emphasized the administration’s goal of achieving an initial ceasefire and laying the groundwork for a lasting agreement. "Hopefully, we get things back on track with the Ukrainians and everything resumes," Witkoff said.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed a willingness to pursue peace but insists that Russia must first halt its attacks. "Ukraine is ready to pursue the path to peace and it is Ukraine that strives for peace from the very first second of this war," Zelensky said. "The task is to force Russia to stop the war."
Trump's approach represents a bold attempt to end
a conflict that has dragged on for far too long. Whether his strategy will lead to peace or further entrench the divisions remains to be seen. What is certain is that the path to resolution will require not just economic pressure, but also a delicate balance of diplomacy, resolve and a clear-eyed understanding of the realities on the ground.
Watch this video about
U.S. President Donald Trump voicing out his desire to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
This video is from the
Rick Langley channel on Brighteon.com.
More related stories:
Trump pauses military aid to Ukraine, demands commitment to peace after tense White House meeting.
Zelensky reaches out to Trump after tense White House meeting, aid freeze
U.S. PAUSES aid to Ukraine, forcing Zelensky to seek peace and restore democracy to Ukraine.
Sources include:
Reuters.com
BBC.com
CBSNews.com
Brighteon.com