Trump Warns Russia of Sanctions If Ukraine Talks Fail
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Russia that “massive” sanctions or tariffs will be imposed if no progress is made on Ukraine peace talks within the next two weeks. Speaking after a series of high-level meetings, Trump said the coming days will determine “which way it’s going” for the conflict.
Frustration After Alaska Summit
The warning follows Trump’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. The talks ended without any breakthrough toward arranging a direct summit between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump expressed frustration at the lack of progress and said Russia must show willingness to move toward peace.
Russia’s Stance and Attacks
Moscow has insisted that any future summit must have a clear agenda before discussions can begin. At the same time, Russia has continued launching missile strikes, including one on an American-linked factory in western Ukraine. Trump cited these actions as further justification for threatening punitive economic measures.
U.S. Policy and Bipartisan Pressure
The ultimatum also reflects rising pressure in Washington for stronger action against Russia. Lawmakers across party lines have urged Trump to take a firmer stance, particularly after recent escalations on the battlefield. Ukraine has meanwhile called for stronger Western security guarantees alongside a negotiated settlement.
Potential Economic Measures
If Russia fails to show progress in peace efforts, Trump is expected to roll out higher tariffs and additional sanctions. These could target Russian oil exports and financial transactions, potentially tightening economic pressure on Moscow. The two-week window now stands as a critical test for both diplomacy and U.S. policy toward Russia.
