President Donald Trump is warning both Russia and Ukraine that the time for peace negotiations is now, signaling that major economic penalties could be imposed on Moscow if a cease-fire is not reached soon.
Trump’s statement, posted on Truth Social on Friday, made it clear that he is considering new sanctions to halt Russia’s military advances. “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 declared.
The warning comes after a tense exchange between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. Zelensky, who was reportedly asked to leave following a dispute over U.S. aid, has been pushing for continued American military support, while Trump has made it clear he wants Ukraine to negotiate an end to the 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
As part of his strategy, Trump has instructed his administration to hold cease-fire talks with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia next week. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that the discussions will explore pathways to de-escalation and long-term peace.
If Trump enforces his sanctions plan, the measures could go far beyond current restrictions on Russia. Some experts believe he could pursue sanctions similar to those imposed on Iran, which effectively isolated the nation’s economy by targeting businesses and countries that continued to trade with Tehran.
As the war continues, Trump’s message to both sides is simple — agree to talks now, or deal with the economic fallout later.
