Trump now targets Putin – will there be sanctions and tariffs until there is a ceasefire?
#Newa Bureau World,
After Zelensky, Trump now seems to be targeting Putin. He has indicated that if Russia does not ceasefire, he may consider imposing tough economic sanctions and tariffs on Putin. Russia has been at war with Ukraine for a long time and Trump is trying to bring peace between the two countries. However, his peace initiative has brought a lot of turmoil in recent days.
US President Donald Trump has now taken a new stance on the Ukraine crisis. He has announced that he is seriously considering imposing large-scale banking sanctions, general sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and peace agreement is reached with Ukraine. Trump wrote on the social media platform Truth Social, ‘Based on the fact that Russia is completely crushing Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering imposing large-scale banking sanctions, general sanctions and tariffs on Russia.’ He appealed to Russia and Ukraine, ‘Come to the table now, before it is too late. Thank you!’
Trump’s statement comes after the meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office last week further complicated the crisis. The meeting was sometimes full of courtesy and sometimes turned into a heated debate. Zelensky was trying to strengthen support from Trump amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, but Trump made it clear that he wanted to end this war soon. He tried to pressure Ukraine for a peace deal.
Trump expressed his displeasure at the meeting and pressured Zelensky to accept the inevitability of a peace deal.
Trump had already expressed his doubts by calling the Ukrainian President a “dictator” and believed that Ukraine was unnecessarily prolonging this war. He had said, ‘You are gambling with the Third World War.’ He had questioned Zelensky why he was not ready for a ceasefire, which could prevent further bloodshed.
Trump’s statement comes after the meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office last week further complicated the crisis. The meeting was sometimes full of courtesy and sometimes turned into a heated debate. Zelensky was trying to strengthen support from Trump amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, but Trump made it clear that he wanted to end this war soon. He tried to pressure Ukraine for a peace deal.
Trump expressed his displeasure at the meeting and pressured Zelensky to accept the inevitability of a peace deal.
Trump had already expressed his doubts by calling the Ukrainian President a “dictator” and believed that Ukraine was unnecessarily prolonging this war. He had said, ‘You are gambling with the Third World War.’ He had questioned Zelensky why he was not ready for a ceasefire, which could prevent further bloodshed.
Trump’s statement reflects his dual foreign policy strategy. Increasing economic pressure on Russia and at the same time forcing both sides to negotiate. By threatening sanctions and tariffs on Russia, he wants to weaken Moscow, which maintains a military edge over Ukraine.
Trump’s statement that ‘Russia is crushing Ukraine’ could be humiliating for Zelensky. Zelensky has been constantly demanding Western arms and support.
Trump’s stance is also linked to his thinking that the Ukraine crisis is an unacceptable burden on US resources. He has repeatedly said that the US should not be so entangled in this war, especially when Russia’s 2022 invasion was termed as unprovoked aggression by the international community.
Zelensky has warned that a hasty ceasefire could give Russian President Vladimir Putin an opportunity to re-arm and reignite the war. Ukraine believes that a peace agreement without strong conditions will reward Russia for its aggression. On the other hand, Trump’s pressure could put Ukraine in a weak position where it may have to bow to Russia’s terms.
Trump’s proposed sanctions could take a toll on Russia’s economy, which is already reeling under Western sanctions. But Russia has the support of China and other allies, which can reduce the impact of these sanctions. If Trump’s plan succeeds and peace is established, it will be a diplomatic victory for him. But if it fails, tensions in Europe could increase further.
Trump’s move is a risky gamble. He wants to punish Russia, force Ukraine to make peace, and get the US out of this crisis. But both Zelensky and Putin are adamant on their respective terms. It is not clear whether Trump’s strategy will end the war or complicate it further.
