 "The Trump administration has imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. File image/AP")
Donald Trump has warned that Russia could face financial repercussions if it does not agree to the 30-day ceasefire agreement, which was discussed during a meeting between Ukrainian and US officials in Saudi Arabia, The Guardian reported.
“It’s up to Russia now,” Trump said during a press briefing at the White House. “Our people are going to Russia right now as we speak. And hopefully, we can get a ceasefire from Russia.”
Trump did not directly threaten Russia with sanctions if Putin refused to sign the deal but warned he could take financial actions that would hurt Russia, saying said he could “do things financially that would be very bad for Russia”.
Trump said, “I don’t want to do that because I want to get peace.”
This follows Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urging him to take strong measures if Moscow fails to support a 30-day ceasefire agreement.
If Putin refuses, “I understand that we could count on strong steps. I don’t know the details yet, but we are talking about sanctions and about strengthening Ukraine,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
This comes after French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated in Paris that a ceasefire could be announced as early as Thursday and that Europe must be ready to help enforce it.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsWashington, Kyiv, and Europe are waiting for Moscow’s response to the ceasefire proposal, with US envoys set to meet Vladimir Putin by the end of the week. The Kremlin has not said whether it supports an immediate ceasefire.
On Wednesday, Trump mentioned receiving “positive messages” about the ceasefire but added that they “mean nothing.” The White House later confirmed that Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, would visit Moscow this week.
When asked if Putin would stick to a ceasefire despite past violations, Trump said they hadn’t had a serious talk yet but would soon. He mentioned receiving positive messages.