Former President Donald Trump has reiterated his commitment to swiftly ending the war in Ukraine, emphasizing his belief that his personal relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin could facilitate a resolution. Speaking on Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump urged Russia to bring the conflict to a close and highlighted the toll it has taken on both lives and economies.
Trump lauded Russia’s sacrifices during World War II, stating, “Russia helped us win the Second World War, losing almost 60,000,000 lives in the process.” However, he also pointed to the detrimental impact of the ongoing war on Russia’s economy, calling for immediate action.
“All of that being said, I’m going to do Russia, whose Economy is failing, and President Putin, a very big FAVOR,” Trump declared. “Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous War! IT’S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE. If we don’t make a ‘deal,’ and soon, I have no other choice but to put high levels of Taxes, Tariffs, and Sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States, and various other participating countries.”
Although his message suggested imposing tariffs, sanctions, and taxes as potential leverage, such measures have been subjects of scrutiny. Tariffs are typically borne by domestic consumers, and the U.S. has already imposed significant sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Trump insisted that his approach would have prevented the war entirely if he had been in office, stating, “Let’s get this war, which never would have started if I were President, over with!” He underscored the urgency of negotiations, adding, “We can do it the easy way, or the hard way – and the easy way is always better. It’s time to ‘MAKE A DEAL.’ NO MORE LIVES SHOULD BE LOST!!!”
The former president’s comments come as the war in Ukraine continues to claim lives and strain global relations. His remarks highlight his intention to leverage economic pressure and diplomacy in pursuit of peace, while his critics question the feasibility and accuracy of his claims. Whether his approach would achieve a swift resolution remains a topic of intense debate.
