United States President Donald Trump has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an immediate peace deal with Ukraine, warning of harsher economic sanctions if the conflict persists.
In a statement posted on Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump pressed for a swift resolution to the ongoing war, which he claimed would not have started under his administration.
The president stressed his intent to fulfil his campaign promise of ending the conflict before his second term gains momentum.
“If we don’t make a ‘deal,’ and soon, I have no other choice but to put high levels of taxes, tariffs, and sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States and various other participating countries,” Trump stated.
Trump said he was “not looking to hurt Russia” and had “always had a very good relationship with President Putin,” a leader for whom he has expressed admiration in the past.
“All of that being said, I’m going to do Russia, whose economy is failing, and President Putin, a very big FAVOR. Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous war! IT’S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE.”
Trump added, “Let’s get this war, which never would have started if I were President, over with. We can do it the easy way or the hard way – and the easy way is always better. It’s time to make a deal.”
The statement comes as Trump seeks to resolve the protracted conflict, which has had significant global economic and humanitarian consequences.
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