President Donald Trump is applying economic pressure on Russia in an effort to force a cease-fire with Ukraine, warning that new sanctions will be imposed unless peace talks begin immediately.
On Truth Social, Trump made his position clear, stating that if the war does not end, he is prepared to take aggressive financial measures against Moscow. “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 wrote.
This announcement comes just days after a contentious meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. Zelensky, who has repeatedly asked for more military aid, was reportedly dismissed from the meeting after a disagreement with Trump over continued U.S. involvement.
"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
Trump’s administration is also working on diplomatic solutions, with officials set to meet Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia next week. According to Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, the talks will focus on securing a peace deal and de-escalating the conflict.
The proposed sanctions could be modeled after U.S. restrictions on Iran, which targeted banks and businesses engaging in financial transactions with the regime. A similar strategy against Russia could significantly disrupt its economy, forcing Moscow to reconsider its military approach.
Trump’s latest move signals a major shift in U.S. policy, prioritizing economic leverage over military support as he pushes for an end to the war.
