Trump Proposes New Sanctions on Russia, Escalating Pressure as Ukraine Peace Talks Stall
WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump has outlined a plan for escalating economic pressure on Russia, including “vrey harsh sanctions against banks” and new tariffs, according to a recent interview with Fox News. The proposals come as peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine remain paused and following reported efforts by European leaders to align Trump’s views with their own assessment of the conflict.
Trump’s plan reportedly includes considering 100 percent tariffs on countries continuing to purchase Russian energy, a measure that diverges from the European Union’s preference for targeted sanctions on specific Russian banks and companies. Politico reported that European leaders successfully conveyed to trump that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not currently seeking a swift resolution to the war,prompting the comment from an EU diplomat,”Trump is on our side.”
the former president expressed skepticism about Russia’s willingness to negotiate, stating, ”Tango needs two.It is amazing that when Putin wants it, Zelensky doesn’t do it. When Zelensky wants, Putin doesn’t wont to. Now zelensky wants, Putin doubts.”
The Kremlin confirmed Friday that peace talks with Ukraine are currently stalled, despite previous attempts at negotiation, including three direct talks held in Istanbul that resulted only in large-scale prisoner exchanges. Russia has demanded Ukraine cede control of the eastern Donbass region, a condition Kyiv has rejected, rather seeking the deployment of European peacekeeping forces.
Trump also revealed he previously met with Putin in Alaska in an attempt to end the conflict, but Russia has continued its offensive, including what was described as the largest air attack on Ukraine since the start of the full-scale war last week, resulting in casualties and damage to government buildings in Kyiv. The conflict is now entering its fourth year.
