Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) looks at US President Donald Trump during a welcome ceremony ahead of the G20 plenary meeting on November 30, 2018 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Mikhail Svetlov | Getty Images
President Donald Trump on Wednesday threatened to impose “heavy” sanctions on Russia and tariffs on imports from that country if the country does not reach an agreement to end its nearly three-year war with Ukraine.
Trump's warning, published in a social media post on the third day of his presidency, included the name of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“If we don't reach a 'deal' soon, I will have no choice but to impose high levels of taxes, tariffs and sanctions on everything Russia sells to the United States and various other participating countries,” he added. Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“Let's end this war that would never have started if I were president! We can do it the easy way or the hard way – and the easy way is always better,” Trump wrote.
“It's time to make a deal. NO MORE LIVES SHOULD BE LOSED!!!”
Trump has repeatedly said he could end the war in Ukraine in one day if elected to a second, non-consecutive term in the White House. The war began in February 2022 with the Russian invasion.
“Russians and Ukrainians are dying. I want them to stop dying. And I will do it – I will do it within 24 hours,” he said in May 2023.
It didn't happen right after Monday's inauguration.
But Trump's message to Russia on Wednesday revealed his intention to use economic weapons against the country similar to those he has threatened U.S. allies such as Mexico and Canada if those nations do not submit to his will.
“I don't want to hurt Russia. I love Russians and have always had a very good relationship with President Putin – despite the deceptions of the radical left Russia, Russia, Russia,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “We must never forget that Russia helped us win World War II, losing almost 60 million lives in the process.”
“Taking all this into account, I will send Russia, whose economy is collapsing, and President Putin a very big FAVOR. Calm down now and STOP this absurd war!” Trump wrote.
“IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in December that his nation had lost 43,000 soldiers killed in action and another 370,000 wounded.
Zelensky also said Ukraine estimates that 198,000 Russian soldiers have been killed and more than 550,000 wounded.
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