WASHINGTON, Jan 22 – Former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Russia and other nations on Wednesday, threatening severe economic penalties if a peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine is not reached. Trump, using his Truth Social platform, urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop the conflict, pairing his remarks with a mix of praise for Russia’s history and sharp economic threats.
“I’m not looking to hurt Russia. I love the Russian people and have always had a very good relationship with President Putin,” Trump wrote. “We must never forget that Russia helped us win the Second World War, losing almost 60,000,000 lives in the process. But 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.”
Trump further warned that if no deal is reached, he would impose high levels of taxes, tariffs, and sanctions on Russian goods sold to the United States, as well as goods sold to “various other participating countries.” He did not specify which nations he considered part of the sanctions framework.
This declaration reflects Trump’s characteristic mix of direct threats and appeals for diplomacy. By positioning himself as both a critic and a potential ally to Russia, Trump is attempting to pressure Putin into ending the conflict while asserting the United States’ leverage in global affairs. His remarks also emphasize the growing urgency for a resolution as the war continues to strain international relations and the global economy.
While Trump’s call for action has drawn attention, his statement lacked clarity on which nations would be affected by his proposed sanctions or how his plan would work alongside existing international measures against Russia. Nevertheless, his words underscore his ongoing efforts to remain a prominent voice in global diplomacy. Whether this approach can influence the course of the Ukraine war remains uncertain.
