U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that he is prepared to impose harsh economic sanctions on Russia if President Vladimir Putin does not agree to a peace settlement with Ukraine. Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Trump stressed that while he does not foresee a global conflict, he is willing to initiate what he called an “economic war” to pressure Moscow.
“It is very, very severe what I have in mind if I need to do it, but I want to see this end,” Trump said when asked whether Putin would face consequences if no agreement is reached. He emphasized that sanctions remain Washington’s primary tool: “We’re talking about the economy, because we’re not going into a world war.”
The remarks come as the three-year war in Ukraine continues despite repeated mediation efforts. Trump reiterated his preference for direct talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Putin. While Zelensky has signaled openness to such negotiations, the Kremlin has suggested that no meeting is currently being planned. “Neither side is completely innocent,” Trump added, in reference to Kyiv’s role in the ongoing conflict.
The U.S. administration is reportedly exploring a range of economic measures, including punitive tariffs. Trump highlighted India’s case, where tariffs were raised by 25% due to its continued purchase of Russian oil, as an example of Washington’s readiness to use trade as leverage. He suggested that a similar “powerful system of tariffs” could be applied to both Russia and Ukraine if it would push them toward peace.
Meanwhile, American and European officials are holding parallel discussions over potential security guarantees for Ukraine should an agreement be reached. Options under consideration include enhanced intelligence sharing and limited air support. For now, Trump maintains that economic pressure, not military escalation, remains his administration’s preferred path.