Washington, March 7 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning on Friday regarding significant sanctions against Russia until a ceasefire and a comprehensive agreement is achieved with Ukraine. “Given that Russia is currently ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield, I am seriously contemplating extensive banking sanctions, tariffs, and other penalties against Russia until a ceasefire and a FINAL SETTLEMENT for peace is achieved,” Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social.

“To both Russia and Ukraine, come to the negotiating table immediately, before it’s too late.”

Russia initiated a series of aerial bombardments early Friday, launching 67 missiles and 194 drones at Ukraine, as reported by Kyiv. While most of the attacks were intercepted, some did manage to strike gas and power facilities.

These warnings mark Trump’s first strong admonitions to Russia since taking office, despite his claims during the 2024 election campaign that the war would conclude on his first day in office and even before that. He has also asserted that Russia would not have invaded Ukraine had he remained president. Although the veracity of this claim cannot be tested, his assertion of ending the war is currently under scrutiny, as the conflict has now persisted for two months since the beginning of his second term.

President Trump has effectively pressured Ukraine to prepare for a ceasefire and a conclusive settlement. After a tense exchange with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting in the Oval Office, he announced a halt in all US aid to Ukraine, even suspending intelligence sharing.

After receiving a letter of “regret” from Ukraine, Trump has expressed his willingness to collaborate with Zelenskyy to pursue peace. Officials from both nations are scheduled to convene next week for discussions, which will include a US-Ukraine agreement granting Washington access to Ukraine's abundant rare earth mineral reserves.