U.S. President Donald Trump called on Russian leader Vladimir Putin to quickly work toward a resolution for the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Trump cautioned that failure to reach an agreement promptly could result in higher tariffs and more sanctions.
Via his Truth Social network, Trump stated, “Without a ‘deal,’ I will be compelled to impose significant taxes, tariffs, and sanctions on Russian exports to the United States and other participating nations.”
Despite his firm stance, Trump emphasized his reluctance to harm Russia, noting his historically positive rapport with Putin, whom he has previously praised. “Despite my previous comments, I intend to help Russia, whose economy is deteriorating, and President Putin,” Trump declared. “Resolve this conflict now and halt this absurd war—it will only worsen.”
This approach marks a significant shift from Trump’s comments at a White House press conference on Tuesday, where he suggested it was “likely” he would impose further sanctions if Putin remained uncooperative.
At the same conference, Trump was noncommittal about whether he would continue former President Joe Biden’s policy of sending arms to Ukraine, which has been defending against Russia’s invasion since February 2022. We are evaluating our options,” he explained, adding that discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and a forthcoming conversation with Putin were scheduled.
Before his inauguration on Monday, Trump had promised to end the Ukraine war, hinting at using aid as leverage to prompt concessions from Kyiv to Moscow. In a stark critique of Putin that same day, Trump accused the Russian president of “destroying Russia by not negotiating.”
Trump also mentioned that Zelensky wanted a peace agreement to conclude the hostilities.
