On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump suggested that new sanctions against Russia could be on the horizon if the country does not take steps to resolve its conflict in Ukraine. He stated, “you’ll see things happen” should he find President Vladimir Putin’s response unsatisfactory.
On Thursday, former President Trump is scheduled to engage in a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to a White House official who spoke with AFP. This announcement follows earlier statements from Zelensky and European leaders, who indicated their anticipation of the call.
During a meeting with Polish President Karol Nawrocki in the Oval Office, Trump addressed the media, stating, “I have no message to President Putin; he knows where I stand, and he’ll make a decision one way or the other.”
“Regardless of his decision, our reactions will range from happiness to disappointment.” “Should we express our dissatisfaction, expect to witness some changes.”
Trump’s remarks followed Putin’s attendance at a significant military parade in Beijing, where he was joined by Xi Jinping of China and Kim Jong Un of North Korea. During this event, Putin expressed his determination to continue the conflict in Ukraine if a peace agreement remains elusive.
The diplomatic initiatives undertaken by the US president to achieve a peace agreement have reached an impasse.
Putin has demonstrated minimal willingness to consent to a bilateral meeting that Trump claimed he was organising between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine. Trump has, in the meantime, kept his plans ambiguous regarding his response should Putin not cooperate.
Trump dismissed claims of being lenient towards Moscow, pointing to recent secondary sanctions imposed on India for purchasing Russian oil and suggesting that additional measures could be forthcoming.
“Is that what you consider inaction?” Trump noted, “And I haven’t done phase two and phase three yet,” but did not provide further details.
Trump is scheduled to address Zelensky and European leaders on Thursday.
In response to an inquiry from an AFP reporter, Trump stated, “I’m having a conversation with him very shortly and I’ll know pretty much what we’re going to be doing.”
A White House official subsequently informed AFP: “President Trump was alluding to Zelensky.” Tomorrow, they are set to deliver their remarks.
The upcoming gathering in Paris is set to take place in a hybrid format, with confident leaders participating in person, while others will join remotely through video link. According to the French presidency, the summit will be succeeded by phone discussions with Trump, scheduled to commence at 1200 GMT, followed by a press conference at 1300 GMT.
On Wednesday, Zelensky expressed his intention to urge Trump to implement new sanctions.
