Former President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he is seriously considering imposing significant sanctions and tariffs on Russia. This potential action is linked to the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has now entered its fourth year. Trump expressed his concerns about the current situation, stating that Russia is heavily attacking Ukraine on the battlefield.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump mentioned that he is contemplating "large scale" banking sanctions, along with other measures, until a cease-fire and a final peace agreement are established. He urged both Russia and Ukraine to come to the negotiating table promptly, warning that time is running out.
This announcement marks a notable shift in Trump’s approach to the conflict. Recently, he has aligned himself more closely with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s perspective, even criticizing Ukraine for its resistance against the invasion. Just last week, Trump suspended U.S. aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine after a contentious meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In the days following that meeting, Trump and Zelensky have been working to mend their relationship. The tension arose partly because Zelensky left the White House without finalizing a deal that would allow the U.S. to share in Ukraine’s revenues from mining rare earth minerals. Trump views this deal as essential for offsetting the over $100 billion in military aid the U.S. has provided to Ukraine.
Both leaders have indicated a willingness to revisit the minerals deal, which Trump believes is vital for the U.S. to continue its efforts toward peace in the region. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how Trump’s proposed sanctions will impact the ongoing conflict and international relations.