Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump has threatened to impose new tariffs and harsher sanctions if Russia fails to pursue peace. His remarks on his platform, Truth Social, emphasized the urgency of a resolution, with Trump calling the conflict a “ridiculous war” and stressing that continued hostilities would worsen Russia’s economic troubles.
Trump’s Push for a Peace Deal
Trump has consistently stated he would negotiate a settlement to the conflict in Ukraine, which began in 2014 and escalated into a full-scale invasion in 2022. In a recent post, he reiterated his intent to bring the war to a close swiftly. “Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous War!” he wrote, adding that failure to reach an agreement would lead to high taxes, tariffs, and sanctions targeting Russian exports.
The proposed measures aim to push Moscow to negotiate while signaling Trump’s willingness to apply economic pressure. Experts believe these threats could further weaken Russia’s economy, which has been struggling under existing sanctions.
Russia’s Stance and Conditions
Putin has repeatedly expressed willingness to negotiate but insists Ukraine must recognize Russian territorial gains. Currently, Russia occupies about 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including four regions illegally annexed in 2022. Moscow also opposes Ukraine’s NATO membership, a key sticking point in peace negotiations.
While Kyiv remains firm on reclaiming its land, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has hinted at temporarily ceding some occupied territories as part of a broader peace deal. Zelensky has also called for a robust peacekeeping force, including U.S. troops, to deter further Russian aggression.
U.S. Sanctions and Economic Implications
Trump’s threat of heightened sanctions adds to existing economic penalties on Russia. Since 2022, Russian imports to the U.S. have plummeted due to heavy restrictions. Key exports, such as phosphate-based fertilizers and platinum, could face additional hurdles under Trump’s proposed measures.
Kurt Volker, Trump’s former special representative for Ukraine, emphasized that stronger sanctions would increase pressure on Moscow. He noted that while current sanctions have impacted Russia, more stringent measures could deal a substantial blow to its economy.
Read: Trump Threatens New Tariffs on China and EU
Challenges in Achieving Peace
Despite Trump’s assertive stance, experts remain skeptical about the feasibility of a peace deal. Russia has shown little willingness to compromise, while Ukraine and its allies demand a resolution that ensures territorial integrity and lasting security.
In Moscow, some signals suggest a shift in tone. Prominent pro-Kremlin voices have begun advocating for “realistic” conditions to end the war, including halting fighting along the current frontlines. However, hardliners within Russia remain opposed to any concessions, further complicating potential negotiations.
The Road Ahead
As Trump’s rhetoric grows tougher, Ukraine continues to prioritize actions over promises. After 11 years of conflict and a history of broken peace deals, Ukrainians remain cautious about any potential settlement. While Trump’s position could shape future U.S. policies, the path to peace will require sustained international pressure and clear commitments from all parties involved.
For now, the focus remains on stopping the fighting and addressing the complex dynamics that fuel the war.
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