In a bold statement Wednesday, former President Donald Trump announced he would impose tariffs and sanctions on Russia if there is no resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine in the near future. Using his Truth Social platform, Trump urged Moscow to end the fighting, suggesting his actions were designed to pressure the Kremlin to negotiate.
“I’m not looking to hurt Russia. I love the Russian people, and always had a very good relationship with President Putin – and this despite the Radical Left’s Russia, Russia, Russia HOAX,” Trump wrote, referencing the widely publicized investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election.
Despite his expressions of goodwill toward Russia, Trump made it clear that his patience was running out. “All of that being said, I’m going to do Russia, whose Economy is failing, and President Putin, a very big FAVOR. Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous War! IT’S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE,” he warned.
The proposed measures would include imposing tariffs, taxes, and sanctions on “anything being sold by Russia to the United States, and various other participating countries.” Trump underscored the urgency of the matter, stating, “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.”
Context of the Conflict
The war in Ukraine, now nearing its third year, has taken a devastating toll on both sides. Russian forces invaded Ukraine in early 2022, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life. Efforts by the Biden administration to weaken Russia’s economy through sanctions have targeted its energy and oil sectors, among others, in a bid to reduce the resources funding the war.
Trump’s remarks suggest he would not only maintain these sanctions but potentially expand them, highlighting a more aggressive approach to push Russia toward a ceasefire.
A Global Approach to Peace
Trump also revealed he had called on Chinese President Xi Jinping to play a role in resolving the conflict, noting, “I said, ‘You ought to get it settled,’ because he’s not done very much on that. He’s got a lot of power.” Trump has consistently advocated for a negotiated ceasefire, asserting that the conflict could have been avoided entirely if he were still president.
His post reflects a continuation of this stance: “It’s time to ‘MAKE A DEAL.’ NO MORE LIVES SHOULD BE LOST!!!”
While Trump’s comments emphasize the urgency of peace negotiations, they also underscore his readiness to escalate economic pressure on Moscow if diplomacy fails. The statement serves as a potential preview of how he might address the Ukraine crisis if elected president again in 2024.
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