Trump vows Russia sanctions if peace talks fail
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump has said he will impose sanctions on Russia if peace talks with Ukraine fail. He believes the sanctions would be devastating for Russia, according to Trump’s interview with Bret Baier on Fox News.
Commenting on Senator Lindsey Graham’s bill proposing tough sanctions against Russia, Trump noted that he had previously used this kind of leverage against Venezuela and Iran.
"Honestly, I will (impose sanctions – ed.) if we're not gonna make a deal," Trump said.
The US president also added that he would monitor developments at the negotiations in Turkey.
"This is Turkey’s time, we’re talking Turkey, and and we’ll see what happens. This would be crushing for Russia because they're having a hard time now with the economy, oil prices are low," the American leader stated.
Trump once again emphasized that only he could resolve the conflict.
"I always felt there can't be a meeting without me because I don't think a deal's going to get through. I have a very good relationship with Putin. I think we'll make a deal," he said.
Sanctions against Russia
Earlier, France and Germany warned Russia that sanctions would be strengthened if the Kremlin refused to agree to a ceasefire and failed to take steps toward peace.
This week, EU countries approved the 17th package of sanctions against Russia. The measures target Russia’s “shadow fleet” and companies helping Moscow circumvent existing sanctions.
Additionally, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham introduced a bill proposing “devastating” sanctions against Russia. It includes a 500% tariff on imports from countries that continue purchasing Russian energy resources — oil, gas, petroleum products, and uranium.
