President Donald Trump is taking a hard stance on the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, issuing a strong warning that Moscow could face severe financial penalties if a peace agreement is not reached soon.
On Friday, Trump posted on Truth Social, saying he is considering major economic restrictions to pressure Russia into negotiating. “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.
His demand for negotiations follows a tense meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. Reports indicate the discussion ended abruptly after Zelensky pushed for continued U.S. military aid, a strategy Trump appears to be moving away from.
"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
Meanwhile, Trump’s team is preparing to meet Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia to discuss possible cease-fire terms. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that diplomatic efforts are underway to establish a framework for de-escalation.
The financial penalties Trump is threatening could go beyond existing measures, targeting Russian banks and businesses that continue international trade. If applied similarly to past sanctions on Iran, they could severely impact Moscow’s economy and force a shift in its war strategy.
With the conflict still intensifying, Trump’s message is clear — both sides must negotiate before economic consequences make the situation worse.
