Former U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated his stance on the ongoing war in Ukraine, directly pressuring Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a peace deal or face stringent economic measures. In a dramatic warning on his Truth Social account, Trump made it clear that he is prepared to impose severe taxes, tariffs, and sanctions on Russian goods if the conflict continues.
“If we don’t make a ‘deal,’ and soon, I have no other choice but to put high levels of Taxes, Tariffs, and Sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States, and various other participating countries,” Trump posted.
This stern message marks a departure from Trump’s traditionally conciliatory tone toward Putin, a leader he has often spoken of admiringly. Yet, the former president insisted that he seeks to help Russia, whose economy has been battered by the war and international sanctions.
“I’ve always had a very good relationship with President Putin,” he added. “But let’s get this war, which never would have started if I were President, over with! It’s time to ‘MAKE A DEAL.’”
A War Trump Vowed to End Swiftly
Trump’s statement comes just days after he re-assumed the presidency, having vowed during his campaign to end the war “within 24 hours.” His promise to quickly bring peace had raised expectations that he would leverage U.S. aid to force concessions from Kyiv or Moscow.
However, achieving this “breakthrough” has proven more difficult than anticipated. While Trump has held discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, he has yet to meet with Putin. He signaled during a press briefing on Tuesday that talks with the Russian leader are forthcoming.
“We’re talking to President Zelensky, and we’ll be talking to President Putin very soon,” Trump said. He also declined to confirm whether his administration would continue sending military aid to Ukraine, a key policy under his predecessor Joe Biden.
Russia’s Strained Economy
Russia has already been grappling with the fallout of extensive sanctions imposed since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The U.S. Department of Commerce reports that imports from Russia fell to $2.9 billion between January and November 2024, down from $4.3 billion during the same period in 2023.
Key Russian exports to the U.S., including fertilizers and precious metals, have been hit hard by these restrictions. Trump’s proposed measures threaten to tighten the economic noose further, signaling that Washington may pursue a more aggressive strategy under his leadership.
Criticism of Putin
In one of his most direct criticisms of the Russian leader to date, Trump accused Putin of harming his own country by prolonging the war. “Putin is destroying Russia by not making a deal,” he declared.
While Trump maintained his view that the war could have been avoided during his first term, he emphasized that the conflict must end now. “It’s only going to get worse,” he warned.
Putin, who congratulated Trump on his inauguration earlier this week, responded by expressing his willingness to engage in dialogue. He also stated his hope for a resolution that would ensure “lasting peace.”
A History of Controversy
Trump’s relationship with Putin has been a focal point of U.S. politics for years. During his first term, Trump faced scrutiny over alleged collusion with Russia during the 2016 election, an investigation that resulted in multiple convictions of his associates but no direct evidence of criminal cooperation.
Despite the controversies, Trump has often praised Putin’s leadership style, which he views as emblematic of strength and traditional values. His current approach to the Ukraine war, however, suggests a shift toward a tougher stance on Moscow.
A Balancing Act
As Trump seeks to navigate the complex geopolitics of the Ukraine conflict, he faces significant challenges. While his rhetoric aims to pressure Moscow, critics fear he may also strongarm Kyiv into making territorial concessions, a move that could spark backlash at home and abroad.
The stakes are high. Trump’s credibility as a dealmaker—highlighted in his book The Art of the Deal—is being tested on the global stage. With the war in Ukraine dragging into its third year, Trump’s ability to deliver on his bold promises will undoubtedly shape his legacy.
As of now, all eyes are on the former president as he prepares for potential talks with Putin. Whether he can secure a resolution to the Ukraine crisis remains uncertain, but his declaration is clear: the status quo is no longer acceptable.
“Let’s make a deal,” Trump concluded, leaving the world waiting for what comes next.
