Former US President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to put an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine or face severe economic consequences. Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump pledged to impose high tariffs and tighter sanctions on Russia if no resolution is reached soon.
In his post, Trump expressed a sense of urgency, claiming that ending the war would not only benefit global stability but also serve Russia’s interests. “I’m going to do Russia, whose Economy is failing, and President Putin, a very big FAVOR,” Trump wrote. “Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous War! IT’S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE. If we don’t make a ‘deal’ soon, I have no other choice but to put high levels of Taxes, Tariffs, and Sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States, and various other participating countries.”
Trump emphasized that a resolution to the conflict would be easier to achieve if tackled now rather than later. He claimed that the war, which escalated into a full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022, “never would have started” during his presidency. He added that he would soon have direct discussions with Putin to address the issue.
This is not the first time Trump has promised to negotiate an end to the war. He has repeatedly stated that he could secure peace in just one day through decisive action. However, his plan to pressure Putin into negotiations with the threat of economic penalties signals a more confrontational tone than his previous remarks.
The Kremlin has not yet officially responded to Trump’s statements. However, Russian officials have indicated they are open to negotiations under specific conditions. President Putin has repeatedly stated that any settlement must include Ukraine’s recognition of Russian territorial gains, which currently encompass approximately 20% of Ukraine’s land. This includes four Ukrainian regions that Russia illegally claimed as its territory in 2022.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made it clear that he will not permanently cede any of Ukraine’s territory to Russia. However, he has acknowledged the possibility of temporarily conceding some currently occupied areas to achieve a broader peace agreement. Zelensky has also called for a strong international peacekeeping force, including US troops, to deter future Russian aggression.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Zelensky emphasized that US involvement is crucial to the success of any peacekeeping mission. “It can’t be without the United States… Even if some European friends think it can be, no it will not be,” he told Bloomberg.
While Trump’s tough rhetoric has drawn attention, reactions from Ukraine and international observers remain mixed. On social media, many Ukrainians expressed skepticism, with some dismissing Trump’s proposed sanctions and tariffs as insufficient to counter Russian aggression. Others criticized his approach as overly simplistic and questioned whether he fully understands the complexities of the conflict.
In Moscow, there are signs that the Kremlin might be preparing Russians to accept a less ambitious outcome to the war. Margarita Simonyan, a prominent pro-Putin television editor, recently suggested that “realistic” conditions for peace could involve halting fighting along the current frontline. This would leave significant portions of Ukraine’s territory under Russian control. However, this suggestion has angered hardline Russian nationalists, who view any compromise as a betrayal of their goals.
Trump’s position on the Ukraine war could play a significant role in shaping US foreign policy if he returns to the presidency. His promise to impose additional sanctions on Russia and his insistence on direct negotiations reflect a shift toward a more aggressive stance. However, his past remarks expressing sympathy for Russia’s concerns about NATO expansion have left some observers questioning his true motivations.
For Ukrainians, Trump’s words are unlikely to inspire much optimism. After nearly 11 years of conflict with Russia, including the full-scale invasion launched in 2022, there is deep skepticism about the prospects for a quick or lasting peace. Many Ukrainians feel that only strong actions, not rhetoric, will bring about meaningful change.
Trump’s threat to impose tariffs and sanctions comes at a time when Russia’s economy is already under significant strain due to existing international penalties. Since 2022, Russian imports to the United States have plummeted, with only a few key products, such as phosphate-based fertilizers and platinum, still making their way to US markets.
Additional economic penalties could further isolate Russia and exacerbate the challenges facing its economy. However, some analysts warn that sanctions alone are unlikely to force Putin to abandon his territorial ambitions in Ukraine.
Globally, Trump’s remarks have reignited debates about the best approach to ending the war. While some view his tough talk as a necessary show of strength, others fear it could escalate tensions without providing a clear path to peace.
As the conflict continues to drag on, the international community is watching closely to see whether Trump’s statements will translate into concrete actions. For now, the focus remains on diplomatic efforts to bring both sides to the negotiating table. However, with both Ukraine and Russia maintaining firm positions, the path to peace remains uncertain.
