Trump Threatens Putin If He Does Not Accept Ceasefire With Ukraine

US President Donald Trump has warned of ‘devastating’ repercussions for Russia if President Vladimir Putin refuses to consent to a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine.

Trump delivered this stern warning while addressing his administration’s initiatives to resolve the fierce conflict between the two countries.

When questioned about what measures the U.S. could take to compel Russia toward peace, he stated: “There are things that wouldn’t be pleasant in a financial sense. 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 further remarked: “In a financial sense, yes, we could do things that would be very bad for Russia, that would be devastating for Russia. But I don’t want to do that.”

He made these comments following announcements by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz that Ukraine had accepted a 30-day ceasefire, contingent on Russia’s agreement.

The U.S. has previously enacted multiple economic sanctions on Russia, and its oligarchs, following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its subsequent full-scale invasion in 2022.

Currently, the possibility of a ceasefire rests with Russia, and Trump is intensifying economic pressure on the aggressor nation.

Trump was asked whether Putin would adhere to a ceasefire, given his history of violating them.

“We haven’t spoken to him yet with substance, because we just found out. We’re going to know very soon. I’ve gotten some positive messages, but a positive message means nothing. Very serious situation. This is a situation that could lead to World War III.”

On Tuesday, after discussions in Saudi Arabia, Ukraine accepted a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire with Russia, as the U.S. revealed plans to resume military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio later commented that the decision now lies with Russia.

“We´re going to tell them this is what’s on the table. Ukraine is ready to stop shooting and start talking. And now it’ll be up to them to say yes or no,” Rubio said.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli