President Donald Trump has threatened to impose higher taxes, import tariffs and sanctions on Russia if it fails to agree to end its ongoing war in Ukraine.
Trump made this known in an X post on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday, noting that he’s committed to the good relationship he has with President Vladimir Putin.
“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.
“We must never forget that Russia helped us win the Second World War, losing almost 60,000,000 lives in the process. 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. 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,” Trump said.
Trump therfore called on Russia to take the initiative channelled towards a lasting peace in Ukraine, that will also end the loss of lives and economic downturn.
“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. It’s time to “MAKE A DEAL.” NO MORE LIVES SHOULD BE LOST!!!” Trump said.
Trump had during his campaign, vowed to end the war both in the middle east and in Ukraine. He blamed the Joe Biden-led administration for allowing the war to continue for a long time promising to stop a possible “World War III”.
On Monday, the U.S. President hinted on possible fresh sanctions on Russia if Putin refuses to negotiate to end the war.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump insisted a deal remains the only way out, accusing Putin of “destroying Russia by not making a deal”.
“We’re talking to [Ukrainian president Volodymyr] Zelenskyy, we’re going to be talking with President Putin very soon. We’re going to look at it,” Trump said.
