In a bold move, US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose substantial tariffs and sanctions on Russia if President Vladimir Putin fails to negotiate an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine. In a recent post on his platform, Truth Social, Trump stated categorically, “Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous War! IT’S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE,” emphasizing that time is of the essence in finding a resolution.

Following nearly three years of conflict, Trump, who has had a contentious relationship with Russia, claimed that Putin's refusal to strike a deal is damaging not only to Russia but to the broader geopolitical landscape. “I think he's destroying Russia by not making a deal,” Trump remarked in a previous statement, highlighting his belief that the ongoing war is economically detrimental to the Russian nation. He further noted that he is not seeking to harm Russia but rather to help stabilize the situation for the benefit of all involved parties, stating, “I’m going to do Russia, whose Economy is failing, and President Putin, a very big FAVOR,” as reported by Indiatimes.

In his latest declaration, Trump remarked, “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.” The US has previously imposed extensive sanctions against Russia since the onset of the war, affecting critical economic sectors, particularly energy.

Both leaders have recently exhibited a willingness to engage in dialogue. Trump indicated interest in negotiating with Putin, asserting he has the capability to mediate a ceasefire. “I think he’d be very well off to end that war,” Trump remarked, highlighting discussions he had with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is eager for peace but requires cooperation from both parties, as mentioned in The Hill.

Despite his threats, analysts are skeptical about the effectiveness of new sanctions given the already strained US-Russia trade relations post-2022, which have seen a dramatic fall in trade volume. As Trump noted, Russia's continued military expenditures may hinder its economic recovery, making the prospect of negotiations remain uncertain. Trump reiterated, “This war, which never would have started if I were President, needs to end. We can do it the easy way or the hard way – and the easy way is always better,” according to The Guardian.

As the situation evolves, the response from the Kremlin remains cautious, with officials acknowledging a “small window of opportunity” for negotiations, but stressing the need to address the root causes of the conflict, as highlighted in reports from sources such as NPR. The coming weeks will be crucial for both leaders as they navigate the complexities of achieving a lasting peace.