Trump issues new sanctions threat against Russia
Washington may contemplate sending more weapons to Kiev if the Kremlin does not actively seek a prompt resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.. source:TROIB RTS
TroibNews 
Washington is exploring the option of sending more weapons to Kiev, according to US President Donald Trump.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Trump addressed the prospect of additional sanctions on Russia if it continues to avoid negotiations regarding the Ukraine conflict. When asked whether Russian President Vladimir Putin’s reluctance to engage would prompt further restrictions against Moscow—beyond the numerous sanctions already implemented under Joe Biden—Trump replied, “Sounds likely.”
Though Trump previously criticized Biden for providing military assistance to Ukraine, he did not rule out the chance of increasing Washington’s military support to Kiev, stating, “Well, we will look into that.” He emphasized the need for Europe to “equalize” support levels with the US, pointing out, “We are in there for $200 billion more than the EU. I mean, what are we, stupid? I guess the answer is ‘yes.’ They must think so.”
Trump reiterated his willingness to engage in dialogue with Putin in hopes of resolving the conflict between Moscow and Kiev. He remarked, “We are talking to [Ukrainian leader] Zelensky. We are gonna be talking with President Putin very soon and we will see how it all happens.”
The US president described Putin as “smart,” suggesting that the conflict stemmed from the Russian leader having “disrespected” Biden. Additionally, he mentioned that he had encouraged Chinese President Xi Jinping to help stop the fighting during a recent phone call, stating, “He has not done very much on that. He has got a lot of... power, like we have a lot of power. I said: ‘You ought to get it settled.’ We did discuss it.”
During a Russian National Security Council meeting on Monday, Putin acknowledged Trump’s desire to renew dialogue between Russia and the US, which was interrupted under Biden, but noted that any discussions must occur on an “equal and mutually respectful basis.” He remarked on the statements from the new US president and his team about wanting to restore communication and prevent World War Three, saying, “Of course, we welcome such an attitude and congratulate the elected US president on taking office.”
On Tuesday, the Kremlin announced that Putin and Xi had spoken by phone, discussing the Ukraine situation, Western sanctions, and Russia’s potential interactions with the Trump administration.
Olivia Brown contributed to this report for TROIB News
During a press conference on Tuesday, Trump addressed the prospect of additional sanctions on Russia if it continues to avoid negotiations regarding the Ukraine conflict. When asked whether Russian President Vladimir Putin’s reluctance to engage would prompt further restrictions against Moscow—beyond the numerous sanctions already implemented under Joe Biden—Trump replied, “Sounds likely.”
Though Trump previously criticized Biden for providing military assistance to Ukraine, he did not rule out the chance of increasing Washington’s military support to Kiev, stating, “Well, we will look into that.” He emphasized the need for Europe to “equalize” support levels with the US, pointing out, “We are in there for $200 billion more than the EU. I mean, what are we, stupid? I guess the answer is ‘yes.’ They must think so.”
Trump reiterated his willingness to engage in dialogue with Putin in hopes of resolving the conflict between Moscow and Kiev. He remarked, “We are talking to [Ukrainian leader] Zelensky. We are gonna be talking with President Putin very soon and we will see how it all happens.”
The US president described Putin as “smart,” suggesting that the conflict stemmed from the Russian leader having “disrespected” Biden. Additionally, he mentioned that he had encouraged Chinese President Xi Jinping to help stop the fighting during a recent phone call, stating, “He has not done very much on that. He has got a lot of... power, like we have a lot of power. I said: ‘You ought to get it settled.’ We did discuss it.”
During a Russian National Security Council meeting on Monday, Putin acknowledged Trump’s desire to renew dialogue between Russia and the US, which was interrupted under Biden, but noted that any discussions must occur on an “equal and mutually respectful basis.” He remarked on the statements from the new US president and his team about wanting to restore communication and prevent World War Three, saying, “Of course, we welcome such an attitude and congratulate the elected US president on taking office.”
On Tuesday, the Kremlin announced that Putin and Xi had spoken by phone, discussing the Ukraine situation, Western sanctions, and Russia’s potential interactions with the Trump administration.
Olivia Brown contributed to this report for TROIB News
