Ukrainian Officials Support Trump's Threat of Enhanced Sanctions on Russia

Ukrainian leaders have welcomed Donald Trump's indication that he may impose tougher sanctions on Russia, viewing it as a potential means to undermine Vladimir Putin's war machine. Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the sanctions commissioner for President Volodymyr Zelensky, outlined various sectors that Trump could target, including Russia's fintech industry and its efforts to develop a digital currency, both of which are alternatives to the SWIFT payment system from which Russia has been barred.

Although Trump stated that he does not wish to inflict damage on Russia, he made a strong case for immediate negotiations to resolve the conflict. He threatened to introduce high tariffs and sanctions on Russian exports to the United States and other countries if a resolution is not reached soon. Trump’s approach included the possibility of cracking down on the so-called “shadow fleet” that Russia employs to evade sanctions on its oil and gas exports by utilizing compromised insurance, crew, and financial services.

Vlasiuk elaborated on how low oil prices could significantly impact Russia's economy, emphasizing that restoring the effectiveness of previous price caps could exacerbate the financial losses for the Russian federal budget. The significance of these sanctions is underscored by the fact that oil was once Russia's main export to the U.S. but has seen a dramatic decline.

Furthermore, there is potential to apply pressure on third-party nations that aid in the supply of goods that could support Russia's military endeavors. Trump could also consider targeting Russia's allies, such as Iran and North Korea, as a means to build domestic support for these efforts.

Ukrainian peace activist Svitlana Romanko stated that Trump has the unique opportunity to drive a swift conclusion to the conflict by targeting Russia's fossil fuel profits, which could decline sharply by up to 50%. By significantly restricting Russian energy revenues, the United States could lead international efforts to pressure Moscow into halting its aggression and support Ukraine’s sovereignty. Romanko emphasized that addressing the support for dictatorships rooted in fossil fuels can serve as a critical lesson for future global relations.