WASHINGTON — President Trump threatened massive sanctions against Russia on Friday over its continued attacks on Ukraine as Trump attempts to broker a cease-fire in the more than three-year-long war between the nations.
“Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!”
Trump aides are due to meet next week with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia — with Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff saying Thursday they would be discussing plans for a cease-fire.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was asked to leave the White House last Friday after an Oval Office argument in which Trump faulted him for — among other things — being skeptical of the value of a temporary cease-fire.