Trump reportedly weighing more sanctions on Russia, mulls exiting Ukraine peace process

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) based on its sources, United States (US) President Donald Trump is considering imposing new sanctions on Moscow this week.

The report also stated that Trump is considering withdrawing from the negotiation process for resolving the conflict in Ukraine if “a final effort” does not yield results.

It was noted that these potential steps by Trump are a response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions in Ukraine and the lack of progress in peace talks.

Sources speaking to WSJ indicated that potential new restrictions would likely not include banking sanctions and that various options are being discussed.

However, it was also mentioned that there is a possibility Trump might not increase pressure on Russia.

President Trump stated the other day that he was “definitely” considering the possibility of imposing sanctions against Russia.

Trump attributed this situation to President Vladimir Putin “being completely crazy” and “unnecessarily killing a lot of people” in Ukraine.

Trump used the expressions, “I always said that he (Putin) wants not just a part of Ukraine, but all of it, and perhaps this is being confirmed, but if he takes it, it will lead to Russia’s downfall!”

White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, commenting on the matter to WSJ, said, “President Trump has clearly stated that he wants to make a peace agreement through negotiations. President Trump also prudently kept all options open.”

A report regarding Trump’s possible exit from the negotiation process also appeared in The New York Times (NYT).

Sources speaking to NYT shared details of a conversation Trump had on May 19 with leaders from Germany, France, Italy, Finland, and European Commission officials, which took place after a phone call between Trump and Putin.

According to these sources, during his meeting with European leaders, the American president clearly stated that he would not increase sanctions pressure on Russia.

A source for NYT conveyed Trump’s stance with the words, “Actually, he said, ‘I am withdrawing [from the conflict resolution process].'” The source noted that this aligns with Vice President J.D. Vance’s statement that the US is “more than ready to leave.”

Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitriy Peskov, responding to Trump’s remarks about Putin, thanked the US for its mediation efforts.

Peskov stated, “This is a very sensitive moment, certainly an emotional overload for everyone and connected with emotional reactions. We are carefully monitoring all reactions.”