Addressing the ongoing war, Trump made it clear that the United States will no longer tolerate diplomatic deadlock.
'If they don't start talking, there will be massive sanctions or tariffs, or both,' Trump told reporters at the White House on Tuesday, stressing that his administration is prepared to act decisively. He explained that it would ultimately fall on him to determine which side is responsible for obstructing progress.
'It's my responsibility to figure out where the fault lies,' he added.
Traditionally, Washington has placed the greatest pressure on Moscow. However, Trump's remarks suggest a shift in approach, as he signaled that Ukraine could also be subject to punitive measures if peace negotiations continue to stall.
'We're not just going to keep giving and giving while nothing happens,' the president stated.
The warning underscores Trump's belief in the power of economic leverage. He emphasized that tariffs or sanctions could be imposed swiftly if the situation does not improve.
'We will act quickly, and we will act strongly,' he declared.
Trump's comments come at a time when global pressure is mounting for a resolution to the conflict.
By directly threatening both sides, he introduced a new element of unpredictability into U.S. foreign policy, signaling that America's priority is not simply to back one side, but to push both leaders â€" Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskiy â€" toward the negotiating table.
Rania Umutoni
