Trump Threatens New Russia Sanctions Amid Escalating Ukraine Conflict/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump has threatened new sanctions on Russia, including measures targeting its banking sector and economy, in response to Moscow’s intensified attacks on Ukraine. The announcement marks a shift in tone following weeks of conciliatory statements toward President Vladimir Putin. Trump, who has paused military aid to Ukraine, urged both sides to negotiate a peace agreement immediately. Meanwhile, Russian forces launched deadly strikes across Ukraine, killing multiple civilians and damaging energy infrastructure. The latest wave of attacks highlights Ukraine’s urgent need for support as it faces near-daily aerial bombardments.
Trump Warns of New Russia Sanctions: Quick Look
- Trump’s Warning to Russia:
- Threatens large-scale banking sanctions, tariffs, and economic penalties.
- Calls for an immediate ceasefire and peace negotiations.
- Signals shift after weeks of leniency toward Moscow.
- Ukraine Under Attack:
- Missile and drone strikes hit Ukrainian energy facilities.
- At least two killed, nine injured in multiple regions.
- Naftogaz reports 17th attack on its gas production sites.
- U.S.-Ukraine Relations Strained:
- Trump’s Oval Office confrontation with Zelensky last week escalates tensions.
- U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing remain on hold.
- Uncertainty looms over Ukraine’s ability to sustain defenses.
Trump Threatens New Russia Sanctions Amid Escalating Ukraine Conflict
Trump’s Russia Sanctions Threat: Deep Look
Trump’s Sudden Shift on Russia
After weeks of softer rhetoric toward Moscow, President Donald Trump took a more aggressive stance on Friday, warning that Russia’s intensified attacks on Ukraine could lead to sweeping economic penalties.
On his Truth Social account, Trump declared:
“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 ceasefire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED.”
The statement comes after previous suggestions that Trump was open to lifting sanctions and engaging diplomatically with Russia. His sudden shift indicates a strategic recalibration, possibly due to growing criticism over his handling of the Ukraine war.
The U.S.-Ukraine Rift Grows
The warning follows a tense Oval Office meeting last week, where Trump clashed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Vice President JD Vance. The encounter ended with Zelensky being told to leave the White House, leading to the suspension of U.S. intelligence sharing and military aid.
With no fresh U.S. assistance, Ukraine faces an increasingly dire battlefield situation, as Russian forces escalate their aerial attacks.
Russia’s Latest Assault on Ukraine
- Overnight missile and drone strikes killed at least two civilians and injured nine others.
- Regions hit: Kherson (south), Kharkiv (east), Odesa (south), and Ternopil (west).
- Critical energy infrastructure targeted, causing major damage.
- Ukraine’s Naftogaz confirmed it was Russia’s 17th attack on its gas production sites.
Moscow’s attacks appear strategically aimed at crippling Ukraine’s power supply, exacerbating civilian hardship as the country faces harsh winter conditions.
What Happens Next?
- Will Trump follow through on his sanctions threat?
- Can Ukraine withstand continued Russian bombardments without U.S. aid?
- How will Russia respond to the prospect of fresh economic penalties?
As Trump pressures Ukraine to negotiate, and Russia intensifies its military campaign, the conflict remains in a dangerous and uncertain phase.
Russia says Trump’s threat of new sanctions won’t stop it from achieving its goals in Ukraine
New US sanctions would not stop Moscow from achieving its goals in Ukraine, a Russian government spokesperson said Friday, after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose new financial penalties on the country to force a ceasefire.
“The first line of the post is the most important. For many months, the US has been focused on the victory of Ukraine. Now there is recognition of the reality the Ukrainian position on the battlefield is bad,” Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for Russia’s foreign ministry, told CNN in response to the Friday social media post by Trump, which opens by saying that Moscow is “pounding” Ukraine.
“The truth is, Ukraine has lost, because they trusted and relied on the previous White House. In terms of new sanctions, we have faced so many sanctions already and they have not stopped from realizing our goals,” Zakharova added.
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