Trump sets conditions for Russia to negotiate ceasefire, ambassador says

Whitaker explained that Trump has made it clear that the war must end.

"Death, and carnage, and slaughter we see on the battlefield every single day, where thousands of soldiers are dying, and, of course, the attacks on some cities inside Ukraine as well... It needs to end," Whitaker said.

He noted that there is no military solution on the battlefield and that a diplomatic resolution is the only way.

"President Trump is creating the environment that Russia will come to the table to negotiate a ceasefire, because that's what is necessary to end the killing. I think secondary sanctions and tariffs against those that are paying for this war, like China, India, and Brazil, by buying oil that Russia is producing, is an obvious next step to try to bring this war to an end," Whitaker emphasized.

He recalled that Trump recently said Russia is very good at avoiding sanctions. However, according to the Ambassador, secondary sanctions will hit Russia where it matters most - its primary source of income from oil sales to those countries.

"President Trump is playing this card if Russia can't negotiate a ceasefire. But at the same time, Russia just needs to end this war," said Whitaker, adding that Russia cannot win on the battlefield, gaining only minimal or no advances. Therefore, the war must end, and the Ambassador believes these sanctions are the next step.

Whitaker emphasized that Trump will continue working to create the necessary conditions to bring Russia to the negotiating table and achieve a ceasefire.

He also added that the US intends to ensure Ukraine has everything it needs for self-defense. Whitaker said that US air defense systems have performed, as Ukraine faces nightly attacks by drones, missiles, and other weapons sent by Russia.

"They want more of those systems because they know they work, and they know they are very successful, and are eliminating those threats," the Ambassador stated.

At the same time, he stressed the importance of Ukrainian forces being able to defend themselves on the front lines.

"It's a really sad situation on the frontline," Whitaker emphasized.

President Trump sees the situation as it is and expressed hope that actions taken in August could lead to a ceasefire and the end of the war, the Ambassador added.

Trump’s deadline

Recently, US President Donald Trump promised to impose 100% secondary tariffs on Russia if Moscow does not agree to peace with Ukraine within 50 days.

Last week, the American leader strengthened his position, shortening the deadline. Now, secondary tariffs and sanctions threaten Russia if Moscow does not seek peace by August 8.

Trump has not yet specified which exact restrictions he plans to impose on Russia besides the 100% secondary tariffs.

And today, Trump announced that he will significantly increase tariffs on India.