Former President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, threatening tougher sanctions if he doesn’t agree to talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Trump, speaking to reporters, said he plans to have a conversation with Putin “very soon” and has already been in touch with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Trump highlighted what he described as his strong understanding of Putin, calling the Russian leader “smart” but also accusing him of disrespecting others, including President Joe Biden. “He would never have invaded Ukraine if I were president,” Trump claimed, pointing to what he called a lack of respect for Biden as a major factor in the ongoing conflict.
Sanctions as Leverage
Trump suggested that additional sanctions targeting Russia’s critical energy sector might be in the cards if Moscow refuses to engage in peace talks. These would follow a recent round of U.S. sanctions announced earlier this month, which have already disrupted Russia’s oil exports. Reports indicate that tankers carrying Russian oil are currently stranded off the coast of China due to these measures.
“Putin is destroying Russia by refusing to negotiate a deal,” Trump said, urging the Russian leader to come to the table. He added that the European Union should step up its support for Ukraine, while his administration evaluates the possibility of sending more weapons to Kyiv.
A Sustainable Peace
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Trump’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for a long-lasting resolution. “We don’t just want the conflict to end, only to see it start up again in a few years,” Rubio said. Meanwhile, Elise Stefanik, Trump’s pick for United Nations ambassador, called for giving the president “maximum flexibility” to bring the war to an end.
What’s Next?
While Trump has toned down his earlier claims that the war could be resolved “in a day,” he and his team remain focused on finding a path to peace. However, this might involve concessions on both sides, with Kyiv potentially facing pressure from the U.S. to agree to negotiations.
The stakes are high, and all eyes are on Trump as he maneuvers to position himself as a potential dealmaker in one of the most challenging global conflicts of our time. Whether his approach will lead to meaningful talks—or more tension—remains to be seen.
