Trump Threatens Sanctions, Tariffs on Russia

The president did not say what types of additional sanctions or how much in tariffs he would impose on the country.

President Donald Trump speaks as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House on March 06, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump signed a series of executive orders, including lifting 25% tariffs for all goods compliant under USMCA trade agreement, terminating the security clearances of those who work at the law firm Perkins Coie, combating drug trafficking at the northern border as well as announcing a $20 billion investment by shipping giant CMA CGM for U.S. infrastructure and jobs. Alex Wong/Getty Images

President Donald Trump threatened sanctions and tariffs on Russia on March 7 over its war in Ukraine.

“Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED. To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!” he posted on Truth Social.

Trump did not say what other types of sanctions or how much in tariffs he would impose on Russia.

The announcement was made one week after a spat in the Oval Office between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump, and Vice President JD Vance. Zelenskyy pushed back on U.S. calls for peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, causing Vance to accuse Zelenskyy of not being thankful to the United States for giving Ukraine assistance amid its fight against Russia since Moscow’s invasion in February 2022.

Zelenskyy has since tried to smooth things over with a letter to Trump, reiterating that Ukraine is committed to peace.

“None of us wants an endless war. Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer,” he posted on social media platform X on March 4.

“Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians,” he continued. “My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts.”

Trump read the letter during his speech before a joint session of Congress on March 4. He said he appreciated the letter.

“Simultaneously, we’ve had serious discussions with Russia and have received strong signals that they are ready for peace. Wouldn’t that be beautiful?” he said.

“It’s time to stop this madness,” Trump added. “It’s time to halt the killing. It’s time to end this senseless war. If you want to end wars, you have to talk to both sides.”

Trump and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said in the Oval Office on March 7 that the fighting needs to stop on both sides.

The president reiterated that if there is no settlement, “this could really end up in a World War III.”

Trump also said that he believes that Putin wants peace despite Russian attacks in Ukraine.

The administration is looking to meet with Ukraine next week in Saudi Arabia in an attempt to negotiate a cease-fire plan, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff told reporters on March 6.

“We are now in discussion to coordinate a meeting with the Ukrainians in Riyadh or even potentially Jeddah,” he said.

“So the city is moving around a little bit, but it will be Saudi Arabia,“ he continued. ”And I think the idea is to get down a framework for a peace agreement and an initial cease-fire as well.”

Witkoff, along with Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, met with Russia in Saudi Arabia on Feb. 18. The two sides agreed to high-level negotiations in addition to returning their embassy staff at full levels in each other’s country.

The United States and Russia also laid the groundwork “for future cooperation on matters of mutual geopolitical interest and historic economic and investment opportunities which will emerge from a successful end to the conflict in Ukraine,” according to the State Department.

Ukraine was not present at the meeting.

Last week, Trump extended sanctions on Russia that were set to expire for another year. These sanctions stem from Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and were enacted under the Obama administration.

Also, last week, Trump said that sanctions on Russia will remain, but they will likely be lifted “at some point.”