Tensions between Donald Trump and Russia remain high as the conflict in Ukraine persists, with the Kremlin recently responding to a threat from the US.
In his ongoing efforts to halt the war between Russia and Ukraine, Trump has delivered another ultimatum.
The US President has made several warnings to Vladimir Putin, previously stating that Russia would face ‘economically severe’ repercussions if a peace agreement was not reached.
Over the weekend, Trump, age 79, expressed his willingness to implement more stringent sanctions on Russia to compel them towards a peace accord.
Nevertheless, despite these threats, when Russia neglects his deadlines or warnings, he has not imposed these harsher actions, and significant attacks on Ukraine have persisted.
When questioned by reporters about his readiness to proceed to ‘second phases’ concerning sanctions on Russia, Trump responded: “Yeah, I am.”
This statement followed remarks by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggesting that increased economic pressure from the United States and Europe might encourage Putin to engage in peace negotiations with Ukraine.
During an interview with NBC News’ Meet the Press, Bessent stated: “We are prepared to increase pressure on Russia, but we need our European partners to follow us.”
He further noted that if the EU escalated their sanctions on Russia, it could lead to their ‘economy will be in total collapse, and that will bring President Putin to the table’.
In response, Russia issued a caution of their own. According to Sky News, the Kremlin remarked that Europe and Ukraine were trying to draw the US into their perspective regarding the conflict.
They emphasized that no sanctions would cause the country to ‘change the consistent position that our president has repeatedly spoken about’.
The future direction of these events remains uncertain, but numerous European leaders have reaffirmed their support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russia.
French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that 26 of Ukraine’s international allies are committed to deploying troops ‘by land, sea, or air’ to ensure Ukraine’s security once a ceasefire deal is reached.
Macron clarified that he does not wish to initiate a conflict with Russia and instead seeks to protect against ‘any major new aggression’.
In response, Putin indicated that any international troops present in Ukraine might be considered ‘legitimate targets’.
He commented: “If any troops appear there, especially now, during military operations, we proceed from the fact that these will be legitimate targets for their destruction.
“And if decisions are reached that lead to peace, to long-term peace, then I simply do not see any sense in their presence on the territory of Ukraine, full stop.”