US President Donald Trump has left the door open for further sanctions against Russia, should Moscow refuse to engage in talks to resolve the Ukraine conflict. Trump made the statement during a press conference on Tuesday, in response to a question about whether the US would consider additional restrictions if Russia continues to show no willingness to negotiate. “It probably sounds that way” Trump said.
Trump also did not rule out the possibility of further arms deliveries to Ukraine, despite having criticized the Biden administration’s policy on the issue during his presidential campaign. However, he emphasized the need for the US and the European Union to be in alignment on the issue. Trump pointed out that the US contribution of $200 billion is higher than that of the EU, saying, “I think the answer is ‘yes’ they have to think that way.”
Trump reiterated his willingness to engage in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that the new administration is already in contact with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and that contacts with Putin will be established soon. Trump described Putin as intelligent and suggested that the Ukraine conflict began because Putin did not respect former US President Joe Biden. The US President also mentioned that he has reached out to Chinese President Xi Jinping, proposing that China contribute to the resolution of the conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a National Security Council meeting on Monday, welcomed the new US administration’s desire to re-establish direct contacts with Russia. He emphasized that any talks should be built on a basis of equality and respect.