**Trump Warns Russia of High Tariffs and Sanctions if Ukraine War Doesn’t End**
US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose high tariffs and further sanctions on Russia if Vladimir Putin doesn’t end the war in Ukraine. Trump made his warning on social media, saying he was doing Russia a “very big favor” by trying to settle the conflict.
**Russia’s Economy and the US Administration**
Trump had previously said he would negotiate an end to the war within a day. However, Russian officials have not yet responded to his latest comments. Senior officials have suggested that there is a small window of opportunity for Moscow to deal with the new US administration.
**Ukraine’s Conditions for Peace**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that any peace agreement would require at least 200,000 peacekeepers, including US troops, to pose a realistic deterrent to Russia. He also emphasized that Ukraine will not give up its territory without a fight.
**Reaction from Moscow and Kyiv**
In Moscow, some people are seeing signs that the Kremlin may be readying Russians to accept less than the “victory” once envisaged. However, Russian hardliners are furious at such “defeatism”.
In Kyiv, there is a generally scathing response from Ukrainians on social media. Many have suggested that more sanctions are a weak reply to Russian aggression.
**Trump’s Threats and Conditions**
Trump has not specified where the tariffs and sanctions would be aimed or when they would take effect. He has emphasized his respect for Soviet losses in World War Two, highlighting a near-sacred topic for Putin.
However, Trump’s position matters, and Ukrainians are waiting to see what actions he will take rather than just words. The man who previously said he could “understand” Russia’s concerns about Ukraine joining Nato now seems to be shifting his tone.