Washington/Kyiv: U.S. President Donald Trump raised the possibility of imposing sweeping sanctions on Russia on Friday, just days after halting military aid and intelligence support to Ukraine. He urged both nations to engage in peace negotiations, signaling a shift in Washington’s approach to the ongoing conflict.
Trump’s threat of banking restrictions and tariffs followed a Reuters report that the White House was considering easing some sanctions on Russia as part of efforts to push for a diplomatic resolution and improve economic ties with Moscow.
“Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large-scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED,” Trump wrote on his social media platform.
“To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!”
US President Donald Trump said he finds it easier to deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin compared to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, a week after the shouting match between Trump and Zelenskiy in the Oval Office https://t.co/CAs0Qh1vJQ pic.twitter.com/RlT769k2Ge
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 8, 2025
Escalating Conflict in Kursk
Russian forces have nearly encircled thousands of Ukrainian troops in Kursk, a region where Kyiv launched a surprise incursion last summer, hoping to gain leverage in peace negotiations. Open-source intelligence suggests that Ukraine’s position in the region has significantly weakened over the past three days, as Russian troops advance and cut off key supply lines.
“The situation (for Ukraine in Kursk) is very bad,” said Pasi Paroinen, a military analyst with the Finland-based Black Bird Group, speaking to Reuters.
Amid the ongoing clashes, Russia launched a major missile strike overnight, targeting Ukrainian energy and gas infrastructure. It was the first large-scale attack since the U.S. suspended intelligence-sharing with Kyiv. Ukrainian officials reported that ten people, including a child, were injured in the assault.
Trump’s Stance on Russia and Ukraine
Despite his hardline stance on sanctions, Trump took a more diplomatic tone when discussing Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting that Moscow might be open to ending the war.
“I think he wants to get it stopped and settled, and I think he’s hitting them harder than—than he’s been hitting them. And I think probably anybody in that position would be doing that right now,” Trump said.
“I’m finding it more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine.”
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy responded to the Russian attack by calling for a truce covering air and sea operations.
“The first steps to establishing real peace should be forcing the sole source of this war, Russia, to stop such attacks,” Zelenskiy stated on Telegram.
However, Moscow has rejected any calls for a temporary ceasefire, a proposal that Britain and France have also supported. Russian officials have also dismissed the idea of NATO peacekeepers being deployed to Ukraine, arguing that such a move would be unacceptable.
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Potential U.S. Sanctions and Diplomatic Efforts
The U.S. already has extensive sanctions on Russia, particularly targeting its oil and gas revenues. These include a $60 per barrel price cap on Russian crude exports. However, sources indicate that the Trump administration is exploring options to ease some energy-related sanctions if Moscow agrees to a peace settlement.
While Trump did not provide details on the potential new sanctions, his administration appears to be balancing pressure on Russia with incentives for negotiations.
Despite growing tensions between Trump and Zelenskiy, the Ukrainian leader announced plans to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday. The meeting will precede talks between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia later in the week.
Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has already engaged in extensive negotiations with Russian officials. He confirmed that discussions with Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia are part of ongoing efforts to establish a peace agreement framework.
Meanwhile, White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are set to participate in the talks, with Waltz expressing confidence in restoring momentum to the negotiations.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also noted progress in diplomatic discussions, describing his call with Rubio as “constructive”.
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Looking Ahead
As the war enters its third year, Russia continues to hold approximately 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014. With Russian forces making steady advances in the eastern Donetsk region, Ukraine is pressing for strong security guarantees in any potential peace agreement.
The U.S., however, has refrained from making firm commitments, instead pointing to a critical minerals agreement as a possible trade-off. Zelenskiy has not yet signed the agreement and recently clashed with Trump over its implications.
With key diplomatic meetings on the horizon, the world is watching whether the U.S. will intensify pressure on Russia or pivot toward a broader settlement.
