Trump Warns Russia of ‘Devastating’ Financial Consequences Amid Ceasefire Talks- wna24
US President Donald Trump | Image:
AP
US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that American negotiators were on their way to Russia for discussions on a possible ceasefire in Ukraine. The move follows Kyiv’s agreement to a 30-day truce, a step that Trump believes could help end the ongoing war.
“People are going to Russia right now as we speak. And hopefully, we can get a ceasefire from Russia,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin.
Trump warns Moscow
While expressing optimism about a potential truce, Trump also issued a warning to Moscow, saying he had the power to impose severe financial consequences if Russia did not cooperate.
“I can do things financially that would be very bad for Russia. I don’t want to do that because I want to get peace,” Trump stated.
He added that while there had been “positive messages” from Moscow, it was ultimately up to Russia to decide whether the truce would move forward.
Conversations happening on phone and in person, says JD Vance
Vice President JD Vance, who was also present at the Oval Office meeting, confirmed that negotiations were happening both in-person and over the phone.
“There are conversations that are happening on the phone and in person with some of our representatives over the next couple of days,” Vance said.
However, Trump declined to specify when he might next speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “I hope he’s (Vladimir Putin) going to have a ceasefire. It’s up to Russia now,” Trump said.
Tense US-Ukraine Relations
Trump’s remarks come less than two weeks after a heated exchange between him, Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office. Following the argument, Trump halted military aid to Ukraine, reportedly to pressure Kyiv into accepting a temporary ceasefire.
On Tuesday, Ukraine agreed to a US-backed 30-day ceasefire plan during talks in Saudi Arabia, a move that Trump sees as a major step toward peace.
“If we do (get a 30 day ceasefire), I think that would be 80 percent of the way to getting this horrible bloodbath finished,” Trump added.
What Happens Next?
With negotiators now in Russia, all eyes are on Moscow’s response. Trump’s strategy appears to be a mix of diplomacy and economic pressure, warning Russia of financial consequences while pushing for a ceasefire.
For now, the fate of the truce lies in Russia’s hands.