Trump Urges Putin to End Ukraine War, Threatens Heavy Sanctions

US President Donald Trump has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, warning of severe economic repercussions if the conflict persists.

The war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has caused significant casualties, widespread displacement, and devastating impacts on Ukraine.

Efforts by international organizations and countries to end the conflict through sanctions have so far yielded little success.

In a post on his Truth app on Wednesday, Trump, inaugurated as the 47th US president on Monday, claimed the war would not have started if he had been in office earlier.

He urged Putin to negotiate peace, warning that failure to do so would lead to new tariffs, taxes, and sanctions on Russian exports to the United States and allied nations.

“Settle now and STOP this ridiculous War! IT’S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE,” Trump wrote. “Let’s get this war, which never would have started if I were President, over with! NO MORE LIVES SHOULD BE LOST!!!”

Trump’s remarks mark a bold diplomatic move early in his presidency, as the world watches to see if his call for a deal will bring an end to the prolonged conflict.