President Donald Trump is ramping up efforts to end the war in Ukraine, threatening sweeping economic penalties against Russia while urging both sides to negotiate before the conflict escalates further.
On Friday, Trump issued a direct warning on Truth Social, making it clear that he is prepared to hit Russia with banking sanctions and tariffs unless a peace agreement is reached. “Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED,” he wrote.
The announcement follows a tense exchange last week between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. Sources say the meeting ended abruptly after Zelensky was asked to leave, with Trump making clear that ongoing U.S. military aid would not be a given.
"Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely 'pounding' Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED. To Russia and Ukraine,… pic.twitter.com/kwrfbaQw4d
— President Donald J. Trump (@POTUS) March 7, 2025
Trump’s administration is also preparing for diplomatic talks, sending representatives to Saudi Arabia next week to discuss cease-fire proposals with Ukrainian officials. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that negotiations would focus on ways to halt hostilities.
Economic pressure appears to be the tool Trump is favoring in pushing for an end to the war. His proposed sanctions could take a page from U.S. restrictions on Iran, which targeted companies and governments that continued to do business with Tehran. Analysts warn that a similar move against Russia could significantly disrupt Moscow’s economy, forcing it to reconsider its military offensive.
With tensions rising and the war showing no sign of stopping, Trump is making it clear that both nations must negotiate before the situation spirals out of control.
