U.S. President Donald Trump warned Russian President Vladimir Putin of severe sanctions if a ceasefire deal is not reached in Ukraine. Following his meeting with Ireland’s Prime Minister, Trump announced that U.S. negotiators are heading to Russia for talks. Ukrainian President Zelensky backed the ceasefire proposal but emphasized the need for U.S. persuasion of Russia for its acceptance.
On Wednesday, United States President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the potential imposition of “devastating” sanctions should Moscow not comply with a ceasefire agreement concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This announcement followed Trump’s meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin at the White House. He mentioned that U.S. negotiators were traveling to Russia for discussions but did not provide specific details.
The White House confirmed that Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to travel to Moscow later in the week. Trump asserted, “We could do things very bad for Russia. It would be devastating for Russia. But I don’t want to do that because I want to see peace, and we’re getting close to maybe getting something done,” during his remarks to reporters.
Trump’s statements come after Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire proposal. He expressed optimism, stating, “People are going to Russia right now as we speak… I think that would be 80 percent of the way to getting this horrible bloodbath finished.” This warning was issued following a contentious interaction with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding U.S. policies on the war.
President Zelensky reiterated support for the ceasefire proposal after U.S. and Ukrainian officials concluded discussions in Saudi Arabia. He acknowledged the initiative as positive but emphasized that the U.S. must convince Russia to accept it. He stated, “The United States of America has to convince Russia to do this,” adding that confidence in a cessation of hostilities remains low: “I have emphasized this many times: none of us trust the Russians.”
Addressing reporters, Zelensky stressed that the outcomes hinge upon whether Russia desires peace or intends to perpetuate the violence, remarking, “Everything depends on whether Russia wants a ceasefire and silence, or it wants to continue killing people.”
President Trump has issued a serious warning to President Putin regarding potential sanctions in the event that Russia does not agree to a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict. Collaborative efforts are ongoing, with U.S. negotiators heading to Russia to seek an agreement. Meanwhile, President Zelensky has expressed cautious optimism yet highlighted the need for U.S. involvement in persuading Russia, reflecting a broader skepticism regarding Russia’s intentions towards peace.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
