Russia Sanctions: Trump Considers Until Peace Deal

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts:

• Trump is considering banking sanctions on Russia until a peace deal with Ukraine.
• This move aims to increase financial pressure on Russia.
• The Trump administration wants to improve relations with Moscow.
• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has offered to negotiate as soon as possible.
• A peace agreement with Ukraine will be discussed in Saudi Arabia.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth:

The US is strongly considering imposing banking sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and peace agreement is reached with Ukraine, President Donald Trump said. Trump’s statement came days after reports claimed that the US was considering a plan to potentially give Russia sanctions relief. Trump was seeking to restore ties with Moscow and stop the war in Ukraine.

Potential Sanctions on Russia

A Reuters report on March 4 said that the White House had asked the State and Treasury departments to draft a list of sanctions that could be eased for US officials to discuss with Russian representatives. This is part of the administration’s broad talks with Moscow on improving diplomatic and economic relations. Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, imposed sweeping sanctions in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Impact of Sanctions on the War

But when Trump announced the rollback of sanctions as a step towards ending the war in Ukraine, critics warned it could embolden Vladimir Putin. Moscow could gain much-needed financial relief to sustain its military operations. Now, Trump reiterating large-scale Russia Sanctions on Moscow may just fuel speculation that they could negatively impact the proposed peace deal between the two warring countries, Ukraine and Russia.

Discussions on Peace Agreements

Meanwhile, Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said on Thursday he is in discussions with Ukraine for a peace agreement framework to end hostilities with Russia. A meeting is planned next week with the Ukrainians in Saudi Arabia. “We’re now in discussions to coordinate a meeting with the Ukrainians,” Witkoff was quoted as saying by Reuters at the White House. He said it would likely be in Riyadh or Jeddah.

Zelenskyy Offers Talks

Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had acrimonious talks at the White House on February 28, but since then the two sides have resumed work on a revenue-sharing minerals deal. At his speech to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, Trump said he had received a letter from Zelenskyy in which the Ukrainian leader said he was “ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible.”

Potential Meeting in Saudi Arabia

Referring to the Saudi Arabia meeting, Witkoff said, “I think the idea is to get down a framework for a peace agreement and an initial ceasefire as well.”

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember:

• Trump is considering Russia Sanctions until a peace deal with Ukraine.
• The US is preparing to impose banking sanctions and tariffs on Russia.
• This move aims to force Russia to agree to a ceasefire.
• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has shown readiness for talks.
• A peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia may be discussed in Saudi Arabia.

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