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By Jesus Mesa and Gabe Whisnant
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President Donald Trump warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that he should make a deal to end its war with Ukraine or face more sanctions from the United States and its allies.
In a Wednesday morning post on Truth Social, Trump addressed the nearly three-year conflict between Russia and Ukraine, calling for an immediate end to the war and warning that he would impose "high levels" of sanctions on Russia if the fighting continues.
Why It Matters
During his campaign, Trump repeatedly said he would end Russia's invasion within a day if elected, while Ukrainian officials insist any peace deal must be advantageous to their country, particularly in terms of returned territory.
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Both sides are maintaining tough stances, leaving little room for compromise in a deal. Meanwhile, Moscow and Kyiv are focused on battlefield gains to strengthen their positions before possible talks to end the war, which began in February 2022.
What To Know
Trump's post follows remarks to reporters on Tuesday, when the president reiterated that Russia would have never invaded Ukraine if he had been president. He touted his strong relationship with Putin, whom he accused of disrespecting former President Joe Biden.
In his post on Truth Social, his social media platform, he wrote: "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."
He went on: "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.' NO MORE LIVES SHOULD BE LOST!!!" Trump said.
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Trump's message also signaled his plan to use economic measures against Russia, similar to the tactics he has previously threatened against U.S. allies like Mexico and Canada to achieve his objectives.
"I'm not looking to hurt Russia. I love the Russian people and always had a very good relationship with President Putin – and this despite the Radical Left's Russia, Russia, Russia HOAX," Trump wrote. "We must never forget that Russia helped us win the Second World War, losing almost 60,000,000 lives in the process."
Asked by reporters if there would be further sanctions on Russia if Putin did not agree to talks to end the war, Trump said such a move "sounds likely" but did not give further details on what those measures might entail.
"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!" Trump concluded in his post. "IT'S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE."
Over the past year, Russian forces have slowly advanced through Ukrainian defenses, aiming to fully control four eastern and southern regions they illegally annexed early in the war but have not fully captured. Russia has also launched missile and drone strikes targeting Ukraine's energy and critical infrastructure.
Ukraine has responded by extending its incursions into Russia's Kursk region and striking Russian oil facilities and other key military targets.
What People Are Saying
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted on X (formerly Twitter): "Twenty hours ago, President Trump's inauguration took place in Washington. Now, everyone's watching what he'll do next. His first executive orders have already shown clear priorities."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told CBS News: "The promise the president made really, if you look at it, is it's going to be official policy of the U.S. that the war in Ukraine needs to come to an end."
Kurt Volker, former U.S. special representative for Ukraine negotiations during Trump's first term, told the Associated Press: "The Russians see that Trump is going to push for some kind of resolution or settlement, and they want to grab as much as they can."
What Happens Next
Trump, who had promised during his campaign he would end the war in 24 hours, recently revised that timeline, saying peace could be achieved within six months. Trump's nominee for his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, suggested a deal might be possible in 100 days.
Kellogg dismissed concerns that Trump would reduce support for Kyiv, saying, "He's not trying to give anything to Putin or the Russians. He's trying to save Ukraine and protect their sovereignty."
Trump also said his administration is reviewing military aid to Ukraine but insisted the European Union should take more responsibility for supporting Kyiv.
Update 1/22/25, 11:36 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and background.
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