“It’s Time to Make a Deal”—Trump Urges Putin to End Ukraine War, Threatens Heavy Sanctions

U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing war in Ukraine, warning of severe economic consequences if the conflict continues.

In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday, Trump urged Putin to negotiate a peace deal, emphasizing that the war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, would not have started if he had been in office at the time.

Trump, who was sworn in as the 47th U.S. president on Monday, warned that if no agreement is reached soon, his administration would impose significant taxes, tariffs, and sanctions on Russian exports to the U.S. and other allied nations. He described the war as “ridiculous” and insisted that it was in Russia’s best interest to reach a resolution before conditions worsened further.

“All of that being said, I’m going to do Russia, whose economy is failing, and President Putin, a very big FAVOR. Settle now and STOP this ridiculous war! IT’S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE,” Trump wrote.

He further stressed the urgency of ending the conflict, stating, “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 war in Ukraine has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with international sanctions imposed on Russia since the invasion. Trump’s statement signals a shift in U.S. policy under his administration, as he pressures Moscow to negotiate an end to the prolonged conflict.