U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened extensive sanctions against Russia until peace is restored in Ukraine. This comes after the suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. On Friday, March 7, Trump called for quick peace talks between the two nations, according to British news agency Reuters.
The Reuters report states that the White House is considering easing some sanctions on Russia as part of its diplomatic and economic efforts to end the war. On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Russia is currently hitting Ukraine hard on the battlefield. I am considering extensive banking sanctions, tariffs, and other restrictions until a ceasefire and a final peace agreement are signed.”
Despite his tough stance on sanctions, Trump appeared softer on Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating, “I believe Putin wants to stop this (war) and make a compromise. He is now attacking harder, which perhaps anyone else would also do.”
Trump admitted facing more challenges when negotiating with Ukraine, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for a ceasefire in air and sea zones. Zelensky emphasized, “The first step to achieving real peace should be forcing Russia to stop its attacks.”
Meanwhile, Moscow has rejected ceasefire proposals from Ukraine, Britain, and France, stating that NATO forces cannot enter Ukraine. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the country has been under widespread sanctions from the U.S. and its allies, including a $60 per barrel price cap on Russian oil.
The U.S. administration is now discussing easing some restrictions if Russia agrees to halt the war. However, Trump did not provide detailed information about the potential sanctions.