Donald Trump turned up the heat on Russia this Friday, warning of "massive sanctions or massive tariffs" if there's no breakthrough in Ukraine peace talks within the next two weeks. The President's message comes after his recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where hopes for a ceasefire were high.
Trump told reporters: "I'm going to make a decision as to what we do … whether or not it's massive sanctions or massive tariffs or both, or we do nothing and say it's your fight." The stakes couldn't be higher—if diplomacy stalls, Russia could face a new wave of economic pain.
Over in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia is doing everything to block a direct meeting with Putin. At a press conference alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Zelenskyy stressed that a face-to-face summit is key to ending the war, but "they will look for space to [avoid it]." 🕊️
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told NBC News that Moscow remains flexible on issues discussed in Alaska, but a clear agenda for a Putin-Zelenskyy summit hasn't been set. Putin himself called the talks "highly candid" and said they marked "only the beginning of a full restoration of relations."
With just two weeks on the clock, the big question is: Will Putin and Zelenskyy step up to the table? Trump compared their dynamic to "oil and vinegar," hinting at the challenges ahead. ⏳
As world leaders jockey for a path to peace, all eyes are on the next moves from Washington, Moscow and Kyiv. Will diplomacy prevail, or will new sanctions turn the screws even tighter? Stay tuned! 🌍✨
Reference(s):
With no Ukraine peace deal, Trump again threatens Russia sanctions
cgtn.com
