Janice R. Andrews
Washington, D.C. – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Russia, stating he is “strongly considering large-scale banking sanctions and tariffs” until a ceasefire and final peace agreement with Ukraine is reached. His remarks come in response to Russia’s recent large-scale drone and missile attacks on Ukraine’s energy and gas infrastructure.
In a post on Truth Social on Friday, Trump said, “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 urged both nations to engage in immediate negotiations, adding, “To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late.”
Meanwhile, reports from Al Jazeera confirm that Ukraine and the United States are set to meet in Saudi Arabia next week to discuss a framework for ending the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he would travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday for discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and U.S. officials.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff also confirmed his participation in the Jeddah talks, where discussions will focus on an “initial ceasefire” and a “framework” for a longer peace agreement.
Trump’s strong stance follows a contentious exchange with Zelenskyy on March 1, during which he suspended military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. He criticized Zelenskyy, stating that he was “not acting thankful” for U.S. support, and asserted, “If you didn’t have our military equipment, this war would have been over in two weeks.”
The exchange sparked reactions in Washington, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance condemning Zelenskyy’s remarks. Vance stated, “It is disrespectful to come to the Oval Office of the United States of America and attack the administration that is trying to prevent the destruction of your country.”
The upcoming Saudi Arabia talks are expected to be crucial in determining the next steps toward de-escalation. The Kingdom’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the discussions will take place in Jeddah, signaling renewed diplomatic efforts to halt the conflict.
As tensions rise, Trump’s proposed sanctions and tariffs on Russia could play a significant role in pressuring Moscow to negotiate. However, with the battlefield situation intensifying, it remains unclear whether these measures will bring both sides to the negotiating table.
