President Donald Trump on Friday threatened sweeping new sanctions and tariffs against Russia, pressing both Moscow and Kyiv to negotiate a ceasefire in the ongoing war. His remarks follow renewed Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and a tense Oval Office exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
"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," Trump posted on Truth Social. "To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!"
The threat of additional sanctions comes as Russia escalated its offensive, launching 261 missiles and drones across Ukraine, targeting energy and gas facilities, Ukrainian officials reported. The attack heightened concerns over the war's trajectory as Kyiv faces increasing pressure from Washington to negotiate with Moscow.
The Trump administration has temporarily halted military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, a move that coincided with last week's contentious Oval Office meeting between Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Zelensky. The Ukrainian leader resisted calls for a ceasefire, expressing skepticism over Russian President Vladimir Putin's intentions.
"We can't just speak about ceasefire and speak and speak. It will not work," Zelensky said during the meeting, citing Russia's history of breaking agreements. Trump countered, arguing that an immediate ceasefire would halt casualties on the battlefield. "Look, if you could get a ceasefire right now, I tell you you'd take it, so the bullets stop flying and your men stop getting killed," he told Zelensky.
Trump's diplomatic team, led by Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia next week to discuss a potential truce. The administration has floated a framework in which the U.S. would secure a 50% stake in Ukraine's rare-earth minerals, a deal Trump claims would serve as a de facto security guarantee for Kyiv by ensuring an American presence in the country's economic assets.
European allies have signaled their own efforts to establish post-war security measures. France and the UK are reportedly considering deploying peacekeeping troops once fighting ceases, aiming to deter further Russian aggression.
Trump's stance on Russia has drawn criticism, with opponents accusing him of being too lenient on Putin. His administration's decision to pause aid to Ukraine and push for negotiations has fueled concerns among Kyiv's backers, who argue that a premature ceasefire could allow Moscow to solidify gains without meaningful concessions.
