Washington, March 7, 2025 – The Europe Today: U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he is “strongly considering” imposing large-scale banking sanctions, additional economic restrictions, and tariffs on Russia as a means to push for a ceasefire and a final peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv.
In a statement, Trump cited Russia’s intensified military operations in Ukraine as the basis for his proposed measures. “Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large-scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED,” he stated. Urging both sides to engage in peace talks, Trump added, “To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!”
Reports indicate that Trump has also halted military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, leveraging these actions as a pressure tactic to push Kyiv towards a ceasefire deal. The decision followed a reportedly contentious Oval Office meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy last week.
Trump’s stance has drawn criticism, particularly given his previous remarks suggesting that Kyiv, rather than Moscow, bore responsibility for initiating the war. His approach also contrasts sharply with that of his predecessor, Joe Biden, who had imposed extensive sanctions on Russia, particularly targeting its energy sector. In January, just before leaving office, Biden enforced Washington’s strictest measures yet on Russian energy firms and vessels involved in oil exports.
The possibility of new sanctions and tariffs emerges amid reports that the White House is drafting a plan to potentially ease existing sanctions on Russia in an effort to foster diplomatic and economic engagement. Russia, one of the world’s largest oil producers, has been subjected to sweeping sanctions by the U.S. and its allies since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. These measures include a $60 per barrel price cap on Russian oil exports, aiming to restrict Moscow’s revenue streams.
Trump’s latest remarks signal a potential shift in U.S. policy towards Russia and Ukraine, with his administration appearing to favor economic leverage over direct military assistance. The global implications of such a strategy remain to be seen, as both Kyiv and Moscow weigh their responses to Washington’s evolving stance.
