Former U.S. has issued a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, threatening “high levels” of tariffs and sanctions if a deal to end the war in Ukraine is not reached.
In a post on his social media platform, Trump called on Putin to negotiate peace, referring to the ongoing conflict as a “ridiculous war.” He emphasized the urgency of a resolution, stating, “We can do it the easy way, or the hard way – and the easy way is always better. It’s time to MAKE A DEAL. NO MORE LIVES SHOULD BE LOST!!!”
Trump, who has repeatedly claimed he could settle the conflict within 24 hours if re-elected, also asserted that the invasion would never have occurred during his presidency. He maintained that his relationship with Putin could facilitate negotiations but warned of escalating economic penalties if peace efforts fail.
While the Biden administration has already imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia, Trump hinted at taking a different approach, describing his proposal as a “very big FAVOR” to Putin. “Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous War! IT’S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE,” he added.
Russia’s economy has faced significant strain since the invasion began, with U.S. imports from Russia plummeting by 90% in 2022 compared to pre-war levels. However, the impact of additional tariffs remains uncertain, given the limited economic ties between the two nations.
Speaking to reporters, Trump noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was open to peace talks but stressed that “it takes two to tango.” He lamented the toll of the conflict, saying, “Millions of people are being killed. It’s a vicious situation.”
On Inauguration Day, Putin extended an olive branch to Trump, congratulating him and expressing openness to dialogue for “long-term peace.” Whether this signals a potential breakthrough remains to be seen as global leaders watch closely for any signs of progress.
The world awaits further developments as Trump positions himself as a potential mediator, vowing to leverage his influence to end the devastating war.
