Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to negotiate an end to the ongoing Ukraine conflict or face sweeping economic penalties.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump warned, “If we don’t make a deal soon, I will have no choice but to impose heavy taxes, tariffs, and sanctions on anything Russia sells to the United States and other participating nations.”
A Warning with Economic Implications
Trump, who has often expressed admiration for Putin in the past, emphasized that his goal was not to harm Russia but to end the prolonged war.
“I’ve always had a good relationship with President Putin,” Trump noted. “That being said, I’ll do Russia and its struggling economy a big FAVOR by helping them avoid further disaster. Settle now and stop this ridiculous war! It’s only going to get worse.”
The former president’s statement marks a shift in tone, taking a firmer stance than his previous comments. During a press conference on Tuesday, Trump hinted at escalating sanctions if Putin refused to engage in peace talks.
A Push for Peace Amid Uncertainty
Trump also refrained from committing to continuing the Biden administration’s policy of supplying weapons to Ukraine, stating, “We’re looking at that. I’ll be speaking with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Putin soon.”
Prior to his inauguration, Trump had pledged to resolve the Ukraine conflict quickly, sparking speculation about his strategy to bring both sides to the negotiating table.
In a rare critique of Putin on Monday, Trump said, “President Putin is destroying Russia by not making a deal. This war is only pushing his country further into economic and social decline.”
He also revealed that Ukrainian President Zelensky had expressed a willingness to pursue peace, potentially setting the stage for negotiations.
A Global Audience Awaits
As the Ukraine war continues to dominate international headlines, Trump’s remarks signal his intent to leverage economic tools to pressure Russia into ending hostilities. The world will be watching closely to see how these tensions unfold and whether a resolution can be reached.
