Possible US economic sanctions force Putin to rethink his strategy - State Department
Photo: Possible US economic sanctions against Russia have changed Putin's calculations (x.com/Department of State)
Russian President Vladimir Putin is trying to stall peace negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine, but the threat of new economic sanctions has altered his calculations, US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce reports.
In response to a question about how US President Donald Trump can be sure that Putin isn't trying to deceive him again, Bruce noted that Putin often does try to delay the negotiation process in order to buy time.
The State Department spokesperson also said that sometimes there are indeed attempts to drag out the process and involve other players, and that, in Putin's case, it might be an effort to buy time and shift the situation in his favor. She added that it was not only about the war, but about the economy, as well.
According to Bruce, now that President Trump has made it clear that he is ready and able to impose new economic measures, either secondary or even direct sanctions, this may have become a factor that changed Putin's calculations.
Trump's deadline
On July 29, US President Donald Trump gave Vladimir Putin 10 days to reach a peace agreement with Ukraine, until August 8. If Putin refuses to negotiate, the US may impose secondary sanctions against Russia.
At the same time, Washington has stepped up diplomatic talks with the Kremlin. On Wednesday, August 6, US President's Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, visited Moscow. Following his meeting with Putin, Trump announced "great progress" in the negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
Sources from Reuters report that the US will go ahead and impose secondary sanctions on Russia starting August 8.
US pressure on Russia's partners
The United States has begun pressuring Russia's trade partners. On August 6, Trump signed an executive order introducing an additional 25% tariff on India. The reason cited was the country's commercial ties with Russia. The order will take effect in 21 days, and its terms may still be adjusted.
Earlier, India's Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri did not rule out halting purchases of Russian oil if the US imposes secondary tariffs.
For more on whether this move could force India to stop importing Russian oil, read our article on the topic.
