Trump signals new sanctions if Russia rejects ceasefire deal
If Russia does not stop, the USA will impose sanctions on it, as reported during a private meeting between the American leader and Volodymyr Zelensky at the Vatican. The behind-the-scenes details were covered by the American newspaper "The Washington Post".
Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with reporters in Kyiv on the eve of his trip to Berlin. During that time, he mentioned that in his April meeting with Trump, they discussed sanctions, with the understanding that Washington "is on board".
- President Trump supported that if Russia does not stop, there will be sanctions, - Volodymyr Zelensky told journalists at the Tuesday briefing. - Our conversation was positive from the point of view that I perceive our conversation as a confirmation of the U.S. policy of imposing strong sanctions against Russia if Putin does not agree to a ceasefire, - he added.
Let's recall that on April 26, during the funeral ceremonies for Pope Francis, a meeting took place between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump. This was their first private meeting since the Oval Office confrontation during the Ukrainian President's visit to Washington.
"The Washington Post" notes that in recent weeks, the Ukrainian leader has intensified his calls for new sanctions against Russia, insisting that Ukraine's partners, including the United States, understand that the only way to stop attacks on Ukraine is to economically strangle Russia. This aims to slow down its war machine and ensure ordinary Russians feel the repercussions of the war.
Since the Vatican meeting, Russia has not agreed to any proposal to stop the fighting, even as Ukraine declares its readiness for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire at any moment. "The Washington Post" reminds us that the USA has also not imposed new sanctions on Moscow, despite Trump's recent threats toward the Kremlin.
In early May, Trump called for a 30-day ceasefire and its observance. "Hopefully, an acceptable ceasefire will be observed, and both Countries will be held accountable for respecting the sanctity of these direct negotiations. If the ceasefire is not respected, the U.S. and its partners will impose further sanctions," the US President wrote on social media.
