Washington: Former U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened new banking sanctions and tariffs on Russia, citing the country's intensified bombardment of Ukraine. In a post on his Truth Social platform on Friday, Trump warned that he was "strongly considering large-scale banking sanctions, sanctions, and tariffs on Russia" unless a ceasefire and final peace agreement is reached.

Trump also called on Russia and Ukraine to engage in peace talks immediately, urging, "Get to the table right now, before it is too late."

Suspended U.S. Aid and Diplomatic Strategy
The threat follows a major Russian drone and missile attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Just days earlier, the Trump administration suspended U.S. military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, stating that the move was intended to encourage diplomacy.

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett explained that Trump’s approach is a mix of "carrots and sticks" to push both sides toward negotiations. "President Trump is adamant that we need to get everybody to the table," Hassett told reporters.

Tensions Between Trump and Zelensky
Tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have been growing. On February 28, during a televised White House meeting, Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelensky, accusing him of ingratitude despite receiving billions of dollars in U.S. military aid.

Trump’s stance has drawn strong criticism from allies and political opponents, who argue that he is favoring Russia over Ukraine. His administration’s recent vote alongside Russia at the United Nations, rejecting resolutions that stressed Ukraine’s territorial integrity, has further fueled these concerns.

Engagement with Putin and Shift in U.S. Policy
Last month, Trump spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling a potential shift in U.S. policy. The conversation marked an early step toward resuming normal diplomatic relations and possibly undoing sanctions that were imposed during former President Joe Biden’s tenure in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

As the war in Ukraine intensifies, Trump’s policy shifts and diplomatic maneuvers are drawing global scrutiny, with both European allies and domestic critics questioning his approach to the ongoing conflict.