Trump Threatens New Tariffs, Sanctions if Russia Doesn't Conclude Ukraine Conflict
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Synopsis
In a bold statement, US President Donald Trump urged Vladimir Putin to finalize an agreement to end the Ukraine war immediately or face increased tariffs and sanctions. Despite his longstanding relationship with Putin, Trump emphasized the urgency for a resolution to avoid further escalation and loss of life.
Key Takeaways
- Trump calls for a swift resolution to the Ukraine conflict.
- Imposition of tariffs and sanctions looms if no deal is reached.
- The US President maintains a good rapport with Putin.
- Direct dialogue is deemed essential for positive outcomes.
- Trump's approach differs from Biden's weapon supply policy.
Washington, Jan 23 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump urged his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to reach an agreement to terminate the ongoing Ukraine conflict "now" or face increased tariffs and additional sanctions.
"If we don't reach a 'deal', and promptly, I will have no option but to impose high levels of Taxes, Tariffs, and Sanctions on all goods sold by Russia to the US and several other allied nations," Trump stated on his Truth Social platform.
The US President emphasized that he was "not aiming to harm Russia" and has "always maintained a very constructive relationship with President Putin," a leader he has previously admired.
"That being said, I'm going to do Russia, whose economy is deteriorating, and President Putin, a significant favor. Resolve this now, and END this absurd War! IT'S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE."
"Resolve this now, and halt this foolish war! It's only going to intensify. If we don't reach a 'deal' soon, I will have no choice but to implement high levels of taxes, tariffs, and sanctions on everything exported by Russia to the United States and other involved nations. Let's conclude this war, which would never have commenced if I were President, swiftly! We can proceed the easy way or the hard way - and the easy way is always preferable. It's time to 'make a deal.' No more lives should be lost," Trump added.
Trump's statements were more assertive compared to his remarks during a White House press conference on Tuesday when he indicated it "sounds likely" that he would impose additional sanctions if Putin didn't engage in discussions.
The US President also refrained from confirming whether he would continue his predecessor Joe Biden's strategy of supplying arms to Ukraine in its defense against Russia's invasion, which began in February 2022.
"We're reviewing that," he mentioned at the press conference.
"We're in talks with (Ukrainian President Volodymyr) Zelensky, and we will be conversing with President Putin shortly."
Prior to his inauguration on Monday, Trump had promised to conclude the Ukraine war even before assuming office, raising expectations that he would leverage assistance to compel Kyiv to concede to Moscow.
In unusually critical comments about Putin on Monday, Trump remarked that the Russian President was "ruining Russia by failing to reach an agreement."
Trump noted that Zelensky expressed his desire for a peace deal to end the conflict.
Regardless of the approach Trump opts for, he is not expected to implement it before speaking with Putin, firmly believing that direct dialogue could yield positive results.
A conversation between the two leaders will take place "very soon," Trump confirmed this week.
