Trump threatens new sanctions and tariffs on Russia to force peace talks
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President Trump greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
President Trump on Friday threatened new sanctions and tariffs on Russia as he ramped up pressure on the Kremlin to agree to a ceasefire and peace settlement with Ukraine.
Why it matters: This is the first time since taking office that Trump has issued a public threat against Russia, after taking a softer line toward Vladimir Putin while hammering Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky.
- A senior White House official said "Trump's rage has been intensifying" in recent days due to Russia's behavior and its escalation of strikes on Ukraine at the same time that he's been pushing for a ceasefire.
Driving the news: Earlier this week, Trump made the decision to suspend weapons supplies and intelligence sharing with Ukraine to force negotiations.
- Trump's pressure led Ukraine to agree to the idea of a ceasefire and to express willingness to engage in peace talks with Russia.
- Senior U.S. and Ukrainian officials will meet next week in Saudi Arabia to discuss a possible ceasefire and a framework for a peace agreement with Russia.
- The meeting comes several weeks after a high-level meeting between U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia.
What he's saying: "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, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!" Trump posted on Truth Social.
The latest: Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Friday that he still believes Putin wants to get a peace deal, but that it is "more difficult to deal with Ukraine" than with Russia.
- Trump warned that the Russians can't continue escalating their strikes in Ukraine. "We are trying to help [Ukraine]," he said. At the same time, the president said he can understand why Putin is "hitting them harder."
- When asked why he stopped weapons supply to Ukraine when Russia is escalating, Trump told reporters: "I have to know that they want to settle. If they don't want to settle, we are out of there."
Reality check: Tariffs would likely have little impact, given that the U.S. only imported about $3 billion worth of goods from Russia in fiscal 2024, per the Census Bureau.
- The U.S. also has extensive sanctions in place against Russia already.
