Trump hints at major sanctions on Russia amid peace talks
Donald Trump stated on the Truth Social platform that he is "definitely" considering implementing large-scale banking sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire is reached and a final peace agreement is achieved.
"Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely 'pummelling' Ukraine on the battlefield at this moment, I am definitely considering implementing large-scale banking sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire is reached and a final peace agreement is achieved. To Russia and Ukraine, come to the table now before it's too late. Thank you!" wrote Trump.
On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that on 10th March, he will visit Saudi Arabia. After his visit, the Ukrainian team will remain there to hold talks with US representatives about peace in Ukraine. "The agenda includes Ukraine-U.S. bilateral relations, our strategic partnership, and its further development. And, of course, at the center of the discussion is the path to peace," Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Heorhiy Tykhyi stated.
Tykhyi emphasised that Ukraine has not received any information about Russia's participation in the meeting. "We have not received such information. As far as we know, the negotiations in Saudi Arabia are meant to be bilateral Ukraine-U.S. consultations, a meeting, and a dialogue," he added.
Suspension of aid to Ukraine
On Monday, the US President announced the suspension of military aid to Ukraine.
- The president has been clear that he is focused on peace. We need our partners to be committed to that goal as well. We are pausing and reviewing our aid to ensure that it is contributing to a solution - a White House representative stated.
The announcement of the suspension of aid came just a few hours after US President Donald Trump publicly claimed that "he wasn't even discussing it." Once again, in recent days, he accused the Ukrainian president of not wanting peace - allegedly in contrast to Vladimir Putin.
