President Donald Trump is putting both Russia and Ukraine on notice, warning that new economic penalties are on the table if both nations fail to come to a peace agreement. His message comes as concerns grow that the war is nearing a dangerous tipping point.
Trump took to Truth Social on Friday to make his position clear. “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.
His statement follows a contentious meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week. After a disagreement over U.S. support, Zelensky was asked to leave the White House, reinforcing Trump’s position that the U.S. is not obligated to fund an indefinite war.
"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
In an effort to move negotiations forward, Trump is sending a team of senior aides to Saudi Arabia, where they will meet with Ukrainian officials to discuss possible cease-fire terms. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that the talks will focus on achieving a negotiated settlement.
Trump’s strategy relies on economic leverage rather than military involvement. If he follows through on his threat, the sanctions could be modeled after previous U.S. restrictions on Iran, which targeted financial institutions and foreign companies doing business with the regime.
As the situation continues to develop, Trump’s message remains clear — either Russia and Ukraine negotiate, or stronger economic action will be taken.
