‘If we’re unhappy…’: Trump’s BIG warning to Putin over Ukraine peace deal, hints at…
US President Donald Trump hinted that he could bring in new sanctions against Russia if the war in Ukraine does not end. Speaking at the Oval Office, Trump said he has made his position clear to Russian President Vladimir Putin. “I don’t need to send any message to Putin. He already knows where I stand,” Trump said. “He will decide what he wants to do. If we like his decision, fine. If not, you’ll see action from us.”
“Whatever his decision is, we’ll either be happy about it or unhappy. And if we’re unhappy about it, you’ll see things happen.”
A White House official also confirmed that Trump will speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday, and will hold talks with European leaders as well. Earlier, Trump had given Russia and Ukraine a two-week deadline, warning that he would decide soon whether to impose “massive sanctions” if the conflict did not move toward peace.
Trump’s warning came shortly after Putin’s visit to Beijing, where he attended China’s Victory Day Military Parade alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. During the trip, Putin repeated that Russia would continue fighting in Ukraine unless a peace deal is reached.
Trump pushes back on criticism over Russia policy
President Donald Trump’s efforts at diplomacy appear to be slowing down, as Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown little interest in a direct meeting with Ukraine’s leader that Trump claimed he was trying to arrange.
At the same time, Trump dismissed claims that he is being too soft on Moscow. He pointed out that the US had already imposed secondary sanctions on India for purchasing Russian oil. “You call that no action? And I haven’t even moved to phase two or phase three yet,” Trump said.
Trump also mentioned he would soon be speaking with a leader and would then decide the next steps. When asked for clarification, a White House official told AFP that the President was referring to his upcoming call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, scheduled for Thursday.
Earlier on Wednesday, Zelensky said he planned to urge Trump to impose fresh sanctions on Russia during their conversation.
News