In a bold statement, former President Donald Trump has warned Russia to end its war in Ukraine or face severe economic consequences. Trump threatened to impose “high levels” of tariffs and sanctions on Russia unless a peace deal is reached soon.
Trump, in a social media post, directly addressed Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to settle “this ridiculous war.” The former president, who has often boasted about his good relationship with Putin, emphasized that it was time for the conflict to come to an end.
“We can do it the easy way, or the hard way – and the easy way is always better,” Trump wrote, adding, “‘It’s time to MAKE A DEAL.’ NO MORE LIVES SHOULD BE LOST!!!”
Throughout his political career, Trump has repeatedly claimed that he could end the war between Russia and Ukraine in just one day if he were in power. He also stated that Putin would not have invaded Ukraine had he remained president.
In his post, Trump expressed that he was not looking to harm Russia, instead presenting the move as a “very big FAVOR” to Putin, given the human toll and the strain the war has placed on Russia’s economy. Trump pointed out that the U.S. has minimal trade relations with Russia, with imports from the country dropping sharply since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
“Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous War! IT’S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE,” he added, urging an immediate resolution to the conflict.
Trump also mentioned that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy desires peace, but suggested that achieving it requires cooperation from both sides. “It takes two to tango,” Trump remarked to reporters, emphasizing the ongoing devastation of the war. “Millions of people are being killed, and it’s a vicious situation.”
Following Trump’s inauguration on Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated him and expressed openness to discussions and a potential deal for “long-term peace.”
Trump’s comments come as the war in Ukraine continues to ravage both countries, with no immediate resolution in sight. The economic impact of potential sanctions remains uncertain, as the Biden administration has already imposed significant restrictions on Russia’s economic sectors.
On the other side of the war the President has frozen foriegn aid to Ukraine.
In one of his first executive actions as president, Donald Trump announced a freeze on all foreign aid for 90 days, sparking concerns over potential disruptions in international assistance. However, Ukrainian officials have indicated that the country may avoid the worst of the freeze.
Roksolana Pidlasa, the head of the budget committee in Ukraine’s parliament, told POLITICO on Tuesday that Ukraine’s funding remains secure, citing the $50 billion transfer under the previous Biden administration’s ERA initiative to the World Bank. “In terms of budget funding, we’re secured,” Pidlasa said.
The freeze is expected to primarily affect foreign aid under “development programs” within United Nations agencies, as well as peacekeeping and refugee support initiatives. However, Ukraine’s military aid, which has been a focal point of international support, will not be impacted by Trump’s executive order, according to the Ukrainian State Disinformation Countering Center.
The move comes as the new administration adjusts its approach to foreign assistance, with some programs remaining unaffected by the freeze. Ukrainian officials have expressed confidence that vital financial support will continue despite the broader suspension of funds.
