Trump Moves To Sanctions Russia Over 30-Day Ceasefire Proposal
After Ukraine announced its readiness for a 30-day ceasefire in its conflict with Russia, Donald Trump promised heavy sanctions against Russia if it refuses to agree to the ceasefire.
President Trump brandished “devastating” trade and economic pressure that the U.S. could impose on Russia if President Vladimir Putin turns away from the ceasefire that Ukrainian negotiators agreed to in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
“There are things that wouldn’t be pleasant in a financial sense. I can do things financially that would be very bad for Russia. I don’t want to do that because I want to get peace,” Trump said when pressed by reporters on how he could secure a deal.
“In a financial sense, yes, we could do things that would be very bad for Russia, that would be devastating for Russia. But I don’t want to do that,” he said when asked what the U.S. could do to pressure Russia.
Part of the threats issued by Trump also included a considerable hedge—while discussing administration efforts to bring an end to Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine, Trump again said, “This is a situation that could lead to World War III.”
He spoke after Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz announced that Ukraine had agreed to a 30-day ceasefire—if Russia also agrees.
He first issued the trade threat days ago online. It was a notable turn from his well-practised posture of praising Putin as “smart” or even expressing appreciation for the Russian position, even while holding an angry Oval Office exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Trump referenced the upcoming talks, where envoy Steve Witkoff is expected in Moscow.
Speaking also, Vice President JD Vance said, “As the President said, we think we’re in a very good place where the Ukrainians have agreed with [the] ceasefire, and we’re now going to see whether we can get the Russians to reduce [the] ceasefire too.”
“We haven’t spoken to him yet with substance, because we just found out. We’re going to know very soon. I’ve gotten some positive messages, but a positive message means nothing. Very serious situation. This is a situation that could lead to World War III,” he warned.
Earlier, it was reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed Ukraine’s acceptance of the US-proposed 30-day ceasefire, calling it a “positive step” toward peace.
Zelensky, who made the confirmation in a statement he released on his X page on Tuesday, days after his unprecedented clash with Trump at the Oval Office in Washington, D.C., reaffirmed the significance of American support for his country.
The proposal includes a complete halt to missile, drone, and bomb attacks, both in the Black Sea and along the entire frontline.
However, Ukraine has emphasised that the success of the ceasefire depends on the U.S. persuading Russia to agree to the terms.
Zelensky’s statement followed discussions between Ukrainian and American delegations in Saudi Arabia, where key issues such as air and sea security, the release of prisoners of war, and the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia were raised.
