- President Trump warned that the U.S. could impose severe sanctions on both Russia and Ukraine if peace negotiations fail, signaling a potential shift in Washington's approach to the conflict.
- Trump emphasized a delicate strategy of supporting Ukraine while pressuring Russia, but also warned Kyiv against actions that could undermine diplomacy. He stressed his priority was to "stop the killing."
- The U.S. may target third-party buyers of Russian oil and gas (e.g., China, India) with secondary sanctions, such as a proposed 500 percent tariff, to escalate economic pressure on Moscow.
- Trump likened the conflict to "two children fighting," suggesting a temporary truce might be needed before intervention. He threatened sanctions if either side violated a potential 30-day ceasefire.
- Accusations of bad faith persist. Moscow claims U.S. intelligence favors Kyiv, while Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian targets have further strained talks, raising the stakes for broader sanctions.
U.S. President Donald J. Trump has warned that Washington could impose severe sanctions on both Russia and Ukraine if peace negotiations fail.
He issued the warning Thursday, June 5, during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office. Trump's remarks signaled a potential shift in Washington's approach to the three-year-old conflict. He framed the escalating tensions as a volatile standoff requiring decisive intervention.
"When I see the moment when we're not going to make a deal, when this thing won't stop, at that moment … we'll be very, very tough," the president said. "And it could be on both countries, to be honest. It takes two to tango."
The president's comments underscore the delicate balance his administration has sought between supporting Ukraine and pressuring Russia, while also warning Kyiv against actions that could derail diplomacy. He added that if it became clear that a peace deal between the two warring countries couldn't be reached, Washington would then decide to act – and when that would happen is "in [Trump's] brain."
During his Thursday meeting with Merz, Trump reaffirmed U.S. backing for Ukraine, citing a recent rare earth minerals deal. However, he stressed that his priority was ending the bloodshed. "I'm for stopping killing, really," he told reporters.
Trump's ultimatum: Truce or sanctions
The conflict, which began with Russia's special military operation in 2022, has seen Western sanctions fail to cripple Moscow's economy – thanks in part to continued energy exports to China and India. Trump floated a new strategy: Targeting third-party buyers of Russian oil and gas with "secondary sanctions," a move that could escalate economic pressure on Moscow.
One such move proposed by U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) involves a 500 percent tariff on nations purchasing Russian energy. However, the president said any sanctions put forward in the U.S. Senate would be "guided by me."
Historical context looms large in the current stalemate. Previous ceasefires have collapsed amid mutual accusations of violations. Russia has blamed Ukraine for attacks on civilian infrastructure, while Kyiv has accused Moscow of using negotiations as cover for military regrouping.
Nevertheless, Trump suggested he would sanction either side if they refused a 30-day truce or violated terms, a stance reflecting his frustration with the cycle of failed diplomacy. He likened the ongoing conflict to "two children fighting in a park," and suggested it might be better to let Russia and Ukraine continue fighting "for a while" before "pulling them apart." Trump remarked: "There's a great hatred between those two men," pertaining to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. (Related: Trump demands 30-day Ukraine ceasefire, threatens sanctions if fighting continues.)
Meanwhile, Moscow has accused Washington of receiving "filtered" intelligence favoring Kyiv, while Ukraine's recent drone strikes on Russian airbases and sabotage operations have further strained talks. As tensions mount, the prospect of broader sanctions raises the stakes for both nations.
With Trump framing himself as an arbiter willing to penalize obstruction from either side, the path to peace remains fraught with risks. The threat of economic retaliation now hangs over both Moscow and Kyiv.
Watch U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker emphasizing that both Russia and Ukraine need to demonstrate interest in peace.
This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.
More related stories:
Despite Western sanctions, Russia's economy not only survived in 2023 – IT GREW.
A BEACON OF PEACE: Trump administration signals sanctions relief for Russia in Ukraine talks.
Sources include:
Please contact us for more information.