Trump Calls for Negotiations to End Ukraine War, Threatens Sanctions on Russia

Former President Donald Trump has publicly called for Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in negotiations aimed at bringing an end to the nearly three-year-long war that Russia initiated against Ukraine. In a recent statement on his Truth Social platform, Trump emphasized that he does not wish to harm Russia and expressed affection for the Russian people, highlighting his previous rapport with Putin, who was previously accused by the U.S. government of orchestrating interference in the 2016 presidential election to benefit Trump.

Trump reflected on the immense toll of war, recalling that the former Soviet Union lost 60 million citizens during its alliance with the U.S. and the U.K. against Nazi Germany in World War II. He asserted that Russia's struggling economy necessitates a resolution to the conflict, insisting that both sides must "settle now" to prevent further escalation. He issued a stark warning that if negotiations do not commence imminently, he would impose high tariffs and sanctions on Russian goods sold in the U.S. and other countries.

While Trump claims he could resolve the war instantly upon returning to the White House, the conflict persists, and the U.S. has already provided over $65 billion in military support to Ukraine since 2022. With the Biden administration having enacted extensive sanctions that have debilitated Russia’s economy and limited its access to global finance, it remains uncertain which Russian goods would be targeted by Trump's proposed tariffs.

Reports indicate that Trump has not communicated with Putin since his recent inauguration. However, he mentioned that discussions are being arranged by his team. Trump stated that Putin is likely dissatisfied with the situation, noting that the conflict has extended far beyond initial expectations. He cited significant casualties on both sides, with an estimated 1 million Russian and 700,000 Ukrainian military deaths.

Additionally, Trump recounted a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who expressed a desire to finalize a deal to conclude the war. However, in response to Trump’s statements, Russia's deputy UN ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy remarked that a true understanding of what a "deal" entails from Trump’s perspective is necessary before negotiations can begin, emphasizing that addressing the underlying causes of the conflict is crucial.

Zelensky commented at the World Economic Forum in Davos that preparations for a meeting with Trump are underway, affirming Ukraine's commitment to ending the conflict quickly and justly. The relationship between Trump and Zelensky has been tumultuous, marked by a controversial phone call in 2019 where Trump pressured Zelensky regarding military aid in an attempt to investigate political adversaries. This incident significantly impacted Trump's presidency, leading to his first impeachment trial.