NEW DELHI: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday indicated that additional sanctions on Russia could be on the table if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not agree to negotiate an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Trump in a post on X said that, “I’m not looking to hurt Russia. I love the Russian people, and always had a very good relationship with President Putin – and this despite the Radical Left’s Russia, Russia, Russia HOAX. We must never forget that Russia helped us win the Second World War, losing almost 60,000,000 lives in the process. All of that being said, I’m going to do Russia, whose Economy is failing, and President Putin, a very big FAVOR. Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous War! IT’S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE.”
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He added, “If we don’t make a “deal,” and 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. Let’s get this war, which never would have started if I were President, over with! We can do it the easy way, or the hard way – and the easy way is always better. It’s time to “MAKE A DEAL.” NO MORE LIVES SHOULD BE LOST!!!”
Earlier this week, Trump urged Putin to strike a deal to end the nearly three-year-long war, warning of dire consequences for Russia if the conflict continues. “He should make a deal. I think he’s destroying Russia by not making a deal,” Trump said upon returning to the Oval Office. “I think Russia’s going to be in big trouble.”
The US president also expressed his willingness to meet Putin, recalling their past summit during his first term. “I got along with him great. I would hope he wants to make a deal,” Trump added.
Trump referenced conversations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who reportedly expressed support for a peace agreement to end the war, which began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. “Most people thought that war would have been over in one week,” Trump remarked. “I think he’d be very well off to end that war.”
Meanwhile, Putin indicated his readiness for dialogue with the new US administration, stating on Monday that Russia remains open to negotiations on the Ukrainian conflict. In televised remarks, Putin emphasised the need for a sustainable resolution. “As for the settlement of the situation itself, I want to emphasise that its goal should not be a brief truce but a lasting peace based on respect for the legitimate interests of all people,” he said, while congratulating Trump on his upcoming inauguration.
Reiterating his commitment to Russian interests, Putin stated, “We will, of course, fight for the interests of Russia, for the interests of the Russian people.” He also welcomed Trump’s determination to prevent the Ukraine war from escalating into “World War III,” a scenario the US president warned about during his campaign.
Both leaders have signaled openness to addressing the conflict, with Trump repeatedly highlighting his ability to mediate and describing the war as “dying to be settled.” Putin acknowledged this stance, expressing hope that Trump’s approach could lead to progress.