Donald Trump has issued a stark warning, indicating that he will implement high tariffs and additional sanctions on Russia should Vladimir Putin not bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, he asserted that his efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict were a “big favour” to Russia and its president.
Trump previously stated that he would aim to negotiate a settlement regarding Russia’s full-scale invasion, which began in February 2022, within a single day.
As of now, Russia has not issued a response to the recent comments. However, high-ranking officials have indicated in the past few days that Moscow has limited opportunity to engage with the new US administration.
President Putin has consistently expressed his willingness to negotiate to conclude the conflict that commenced in 2014. However, he insists that Ukraine must acknowledge the reality of Russian territorial acquisitions, which account for approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory. He has also declined to permit Ukraine’s accession to NATO.
Kyiv remains steadfast in its commitment to its territorial integrity despite President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledging the possibility of temporarily ceding some currently occupied areas.
During a news conference on Tuesday, Trump announced that he would be engaging in discussions with Putin “very soon,” adding that it “sounds likely” he would impose additional sanctions if the Russian leader failed to cooperate.
In a post on Truth Social Wednesday, he escalated his rhetoric, stating, “I’m going to do Russia, whose economy is failing, and President Putin, a very big FAVOUR,” he declared.
It is time to reach a resolution and end this absurd conflict. The situation is poised to deteriorate further. Failure to reach an agreement promptly will leave me with no alternative but to impose significant taxes, tariffs, and sanctions on all goods exported from Russia to the United States and other involved nations.
He continued, stating, “Let’s bring this war to an end, a conflict that would never have begun had I been President!” The choice is clear: proceed with ease or face challenges. Opting for the straightforward path is undoubtedly the preferable option. Now is the moment to “MAKE A DEAL.”
Dmitry Polyanskiy, Russia’s deputy ambassador to the United Nations, stated in an interview with Reuters that the Kremlin requires clarity on Donald Trump‘s intentions regarding a potential deal to halt the ongoing conflict before proceeding further.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the World Economic Forum on Tuesday, stating that a minimum of 200,000 peacekeepers would be required as part of any potential agreement.
He told Bloomberg that any peacekeeping force for his country must incorporate US troops to serve as a credible deterrent against Russia.
“The involvement of the United States is indispensable…” “While some European allies may believe it is feasible, I can assure you it is not,” he stated, emphasising that no other nation would dare to take such a step without the backing of the United States.
Ukrainian leaders may welcome the more assertive rhetoric from Trump, as they have consistently maintained that Putin responds only to displays of strength. However, the immediate response in Kyiv to the US president’s remarks indicates a greater desire for tangible actions rather than mere words.
Trump has yet to clarify the potential targets for additional economic penalties or the timeline for their implementation. Since 2022, Russian imports to the United States have experienced a significant decline, accompanied by a range of stringent restrictions that have been implemented.
The primary exports from Russia to the United States are phosphate-based fertilisers and platinum.
Ukrainians took to social media to express a largely critical reaction. Numerous analysts have argued that the imposition of additional sanctions constitutes a feeble response to the ongoing aggression exhibited by Russia. The primary inquiry for many revolves around the topics that Putin is willing to engage in during potential peace negotiations with Ukraine.
In Moscow, there are indications that the Kremlin might be preparing the Russian populace to accept a reality that falls short of the previously envisioned “victory,” which had included the prospect of tanks advancing to the southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa.
TV editor Margarita Simonyan, known for her strong support of Putin, has recently addressed what she describes as “realistic” conditions for concluding the war, proposing that this could involve a cessation of hostilities along the existing frontline.
The four Ukrainian regions that Putin declared as Russian territory over two years ago, including Zaporizhzhia, continue to be partially under the control of Kyiv.
Russian hardliners, often referred to as “Z” bloggers, are expressing their outrage over what they perceive as a sense of “defeatism.”
In a recent social media post, Trump framed his warning of potential tariffs and stricter sanctions with expressions of “love” for the Russian populace. He also emphasised his admiration for the Soviet sacrifices during World War II, a subject of significant reverence for Putin. However, Trump’s figures were notably inflated, and he seemed to conflate the USSR with Russia exclusively. In truth, countless Ukrainians and other citizens of the former Soviet Union also perished.
However, the individual who once expressed an ability to “understand” Russia’s apprehensions regarding Ukraine’s potential NATO membership—an assertion that implies a provocation by Putin—appears to be altering his stance.
The significance of Trump’s stance cannot be overlooked. After 11 years of conflict with Russia and a track record of ineffective peace agreements, there is a palpable sense of scepticism among Ukrainians regarding prospects.
