Trump Vows Response to Ukraine Attacks, Signals Potential for Increased Russia Sanctions
WASHINGTON – Former U.S. President Donald Trump, responding to recent large-scale Russian attacks on Ukraine, stated he is “ready” to escalate sanctions against Moscow, hours after acknowledging the devastation as a “terrible humanitarian disaster.” The comments, made to reporters, signal a potential shift in tone regarding the ongoing conflict and the U.S. response.
The renewed threat of sanctions comes as Ukraine reels from a weekend barrage of drone and missile strikes that killed at least four people, including infants, and severely damaged government infrastructure in Kyiv. U.S.officials are now assessing the viability of further economic pressure on Russia, including secondary sanctions targeting countries that continue to purchase Russian oil, a move intended to cripple the Russian economy and compel president Vladimir Putin to negotiate. This advancement underscores the escalating stakes in the conflict, where the endurance of both the Ukrainian military and the russian economy are seen as critical factors.
Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation, stating, “This is truly a terrible humanitarian disaster. I am not happy with what happened there, I say. I think everything will be done.” He affirmed his willingness to move to a “second stage” of sanctions when questioned by reporters.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed Trump’s sentiment, asserting that harsher sanctions, particularly those targeting Russian oil buyers, could “paralyze” the Russian economy. “we are ready to increase pressure on Russia, but we need European partners (countries) to follow us,” Bessent stated. He characterized the current situation as a “competition between how long the Ukraine military can survive and how long the Russian economy can survive,” suggesting that coordinated sanctions could force a resolution.
According to reports, russia launched 810 drones and 13 missiles in the attacks over the weekend – the largest wave of attacks since the start of the war.The strikes targeted a government complex housing the Ukraine Cabinet, causing meaningful damage.