Trump Team Prepares Options to Pressure Russia Into Ending Ukraine War
U.S. officials have prepared a range of economic pressure tactics for President Donald Trump to deploy against Russia, according to sources familiar with the matter, as President Vladimir Putin remains unmoved by U.S.-led efforts to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, The Gaze reports citing Bloomberg.
The measures are intended to force Moscow into a ceasefire aligned with terms proposed by the Trump administration. However, according to individuals briefed on the internal deliberations, Trump has not yet made a final decision.
Diplomatic talks remain underway, with Ukraine and its allies urging Washington to tighten restrictions on Russian energy exports and revenues. The U.S. and EU have already imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia since its full-scale invasion in February 2022, but have failed to stop the Kremlin’s military campaign.
The Trump administration’s internal discussions have been further complicated by a reshuffle in national security leadership, with Mike Waltz abruptly sidelined and Secretary of State Marco Rubio assuming the role of interim national security advisor. This consolidation may streamline U.S. strategy, as multiple high-level figures, including Witkoff — seen as more sympathetic to Russia — have influenced White House policy.
President Trump, committed to ending the war and reshaping U.S.-Russia economic relations, hinted at new sanctions via his Truth Social account, writing after a recent meeting with Zelenskyy:
“There’s no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas,” and added: “It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war,” before warning of possible targeted sanctions on Russia’s banking sector or secondary sanctions.
On Capitol Hill, Senator Lindsey Graham said this week he had support from 72 colleagues for a bill that would enact “bone-crushing” new sanctions on Russia and tariffs on countries that buy its oil, gas, and other products if peace talks stall. The draft bill includes a 500% tariff on imports from countries purchasing Russian fossil fuels or uranium.
As The Gaze previously reported, the US and Ukraine have finalized a landmark agreement granting Washington privileged access to Kyiv’s natural resources, in a move aimed at reinforcing bilateral ties and sustaining American engagement in Ukraine’s post-war recovery efforts.