US President Donald Trump announced plans for “large-scale” sanctions and tariffs against Russia. This announcement comes as Trump calls on the Kremlin to engage in dialogue and work towards a “final settlement” to bring an end to the ongoing war. The ramifications of these potential sanctions could further deepen the rift between the United States and Russia, as both nations stand on the brink of a geopolitical crisis.
In his statement, Trump emphasised the urgency of achieving peace in Ukraine, a war that has caused significant loss of life and disruption in Europe. “We need to see immediate action from Russia,” Trump said, indicating his administration’s commitment to stabilising the region through economic pressure.
While addressing various international issues, Trump also confirmed that he has reached out to Iran regarding nuclear negotiations. However, Iran’s foreign minister has firmly stated that Tehran will not consider any discussions until the United States retracts its “maximum pressure” policy, a stance that could complicate any potential diplomatic overtures.
The US President’s trade policy is generating increasing anxiety among allies and trading partners. Amid ongoing tensions, his administration has chosen to pause certain tariffs against Canada and Mexico temporarily, a move perceived as an attempt to placate these key partners while pursuing more extensive economic leverage against adversaries such as Russia.
In a notable development, Saudi Arabia has extended an invitation to facilitate talks between US and Ukrainian officials next week, acknowledging its role in fostering international dialogue.