President Donald Trump has issued a stark demand to Russian President Vladimir Putin: end the war in Ukraine or face a barrage of taxes, tariffs, and sanctions. Trump is trying to increase pressure on Moscow to start negotiations with Kyiv through a post on Truth Social on Wednesday. Part of the post reads, “Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous War! IT’S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE.”
He warned Russia of penalties if the war is not stopped soon. Trump said he has no desire to hurt Russia, citing his good relationship with Putin.
He said, “If we don’t make a ‘deal,’ and soon, I have no other choice but to put high levels of taxes, tariffs, and sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States and various other participating countries.”
He added, “Let’s get this war, which never would have started if I were President, over with! We can do it the easy way, or the hard way—and the easy way is always better.”
Trump’s threat to impose economic penalties on Russia is not entirely new. The U.S. has already banned the imports of almost all Russian products, and Russia is currently facing many economic sanctions from the US and the European Union. Well, we all know these warnings will likely fall on Putin’s deaf ears.
However, Trump’s approach is characteristically brash and direct. He has promised Russia high levels of Taxes, tariffs, and sanctions if Putin does not comply. But here is the case: Russia currently exports very little to the U.S., which could be subject to tariffs. Russia’s largest export to the United States, oil, has been zeroed out since 2023.
Here’s where it gets even more interesting. Trump’s relationship with Putin has always been a subject of intense scrutiny and speculation. While Trump touts his “very good relationship” with Putin, his latest threats suggest a significant shift in tone. But will these threats be enough to bring Putin to the negotiating table?
Many still wonder if Trump’s latest move is more about posturing than actual policy. After all, he promised to end the war within 24 hours of taking office—a promise that remains unfulfilled. Perhaps this is just another chapter in Trump’s ongoing saga of bold claims and dramatic gestures.
What do you think of Trump’s latest move? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more updates.
