US to tighten sanctions against Russia, Trump responds
Photo: Donald Trump (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump currently does not want to increase sanctions pressure on Russia over its aggression against Ukraine. However, he did not rule out using such a measure in the future, according to CNN.
During a speech in the Rose Garden in front of the White House in Washington, the US president told journalists that he would not increase sanctions against Russia "because there is a chance" for progress. This refers to the possibility of a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine and potential peace between the countries.
Trump made this statement after his phone call with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin on Monday, May 19.
"Because I think there’s a chance of getting something done, and if you do that, you could also make it much worse. But there could be a time where that’s going to happen," the American leader said.
Trump on possibility of leaving war negotiations
In a conversation with the media, the US president also said he is ready to "step away" from the Ukraine-Russia negotiations if no progress is made. Trump has already expressed this message before.
"I tell you, big egos involved, but I think something’s going to happen. And if it doesn’t, I just back away and they’re going to have to keep going," Trump said Monday afternoon (Washington time, early Tuesday in Kyiv).
Trump about 'red lines'
In Washington, after phone conversations with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin, the US president spoke about "red lines" regarding pressure on Russia and Ukraine, reports Sky News.
Trump said he has such "red lines" in his mind concerning when he would stop applying pressure on Russia and Ukraine. However, the American leader added that he would "not say" exactly what that "red line" is.
The US president also noted that he does not believe Russia is stalling in negotiations to end the war with Ukraine.
Regarding meeting with Putin
Additionally, the American president added that during the phone call with Putin, they talked about a possible meeting in the future.
"Of course I did. I talked to him about it," he said.
The US president suggested that he and Putin should meet directly to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Statements by Trump after May 19 phone call with Putin
On Monday, US president Donald Trump held a phone call with Vladimir Putin.
Afterwards, Trump stated that Russia and Ukraine must immediately begin negotiations to cease fire and end the war.
Later, the American president said he informed European leaders about the talks with Putin. This includes leaders of Italy, Germany, France, Finland, Ukraine, and the president of the European Commission.
Before and after the phone call with Putin, Trump also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Trump characterized his phone call with Putin as one that showed "some progress." He again confirmed his view that the Kremlin leader supposedly wants peace with Ukraine.
US sanctions against Russia
Recently, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the US and Europe would decisively tighten sanctions against Russia if Putin does not engage in peace talks with Ukraine "in the spirit of goodwill."
Earlier, Trump said he would impose sanctions on Russia if negotiations with Ukraine fail. He believes sanctions would be devastating for Russia.
Additionally, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently said Washington has given Moscow time to make progress in peace talks, but patience is running out - decisions on sanctions are "already underway."
