Trump hits Russia with sudden sanctions after drone strike on kindergarten in Kharkiv - CNN

Even in the White House, many were surprised by the speed with which US President Donald Trump made the decision on a new package of sanctions against Russia.

According to the outlet, citing senior administration officials, the White House chief had been telling his advisers for several months that he would one day decide to act more decisively toward Moscow.

Sources said Trump was guided by his "instincts" and decided that it was time to change his approach to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"The president suggested to advisers that his 'instincts' were telling him it was time to move in a different direction with Putin," the article says.

The strike on the kindergarten became a turning point

A few hours before the announcement of the sanctions, Russia attacked a kindergarten in Kharkiv. Footage from the scene shows frightened people running out of the burning building carrying children in their arms. This incident became one of the key factors influencing Trump's decision, CNN reports.

According to sources, the president also recalled his experience in negotiations on Gaza, noting that tough actions had produced results.

"Getting tough led to action," a senior official said.

Pressure from allies and long hesitation

Senator Lindsey Graham and Senate Majority Leader John Thune pressured Trump to impose sanctions as soon as possible. They urged the president that such measures would help bring Putin to the negotiating table and reach an agreement to end the war.

"We want to do everything we can to support the president, his team's efforts, and the efforts of our allies to bring the bloodshed to an end and a peaceful conclusion," said Senate Majority Leader John Thune.

Trump had been considering sanctions since his return to the White House in January, but had hesitated, fearing they might push Putin away from negotiations. Despite this, he decided to after a series of Russian strikes on civilian targets in Ukraine.

Strike on the kindergarten in Kharkiv

On October 22, around 11 a.m., Russian forces hit a kindergarten in Kharkiv with Shahed drones. The children survived, but a 40-year-old man was killed. Seven municipal workers who were nearby were also injured.

In total, ten people were reported injured, including one child.

US sanctions against Russia

On the night of October 23, the United States announced sanctions against Russia's two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, in an effort to force Putin to sit down at the negotiating table with Ukraine.

The Kremlin leader reacted to the new US sanctions by saying they would not significantly affect Russia's ''economic well-being", although he admitted they could lead to certain losses.

In response, Trump stated that in six months, it would be clear whether the US sanctions had any impact on Russia.