US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose severe sanctions on Russia if it fails to reach a meaningful peace agreement with Ukraine, marking a significant escalation in diplomatic pressure.
Trump, speaking shortly after the first direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv in three years, hinted at the possibility of new economic penalties if the negotiations collapse. When asked in an interview about the likelihood of further restrictions on Russia, Trump replied, "Honestly, I will if we're not going to make a deal. Nobody uses leverage better than me."
The president indicated that the US would closely monitor the outcome of Friday's negotiations between the two nations in Istanbul. "We'll see what happens. It will be crushing for Russia because they're having a hard time with the economy," he said.
Trump also confirmed that the US plans to ramp up crude oil production, a move aimed at stabilising global oil prices and undermining Russia's energy exports, a vital pillar of its economy.
He further claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin was "tired" from the prolonged conflict and expressed his intent to meet him soon. "I have a very good relationship with Putin. I think we'll make a deal. We have to get together," Trump said, hinting at a possible diplomatic breakthrough.
Meanwhile, a group of US senators led by Lindsey Graham has drafted a bill to impose tougher sanctions on Moscow, including levying tariffs on countries that continue to purchase Russian oil, gas, and uranium.
In a related development, Vladimir Medinsky, head of Russia's negotiating team in Istanbul, announced that the two sides had agreed to a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner swap and would each formulate a "vision of a possible future ceasefire."
Medinsky noted that the talks, the first face-to-face negotiations since 2022, had yielded positive outcomes, potentially opening a window of opportunity for a 30-day ceasefire.
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