President Donald Trump has issued a firm warning to both Russia and Ukraine, demanding they begin negotiations immediately while signaling that Moscow could face additional financial restrictions if it continues its military campaign.
On Friday, Trump took to Truth Social, where he laid out his position. “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.
The message follows a recent meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which reportedly ended abruptly after a disagreement over continued U.S. involvement in the war. Trump has made it clear he is shifting the U.S. approach, urging Ukraine to pursue diplomatic resolutions instead of relying on military aid.
"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 pursuing diplomatic solutions, with his team set to meet Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia to discuss a possible cease-fire. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that these discussions are part of Trump’s larger effort to de-escalate the war through economic means rather than prolonged military intervention.
If Trump follows through with his proposed sanctions, they could significantly impact Russia’s economy. Many analysts believe these measures would resemble previous sanctions imposed on Iran, which cut off the country from global financial markets and severely weakened its economy.
With the conflict intensifying, Trump’s message to both sides is clear — find a resolution, or Moscow will face new financial consequences.
