Donald Trump threatened Russia on Friday with “large-scale” sanctions and tariffs unless a peace deal with Ukraine is reached.
Trump wrote on Truth Social: “I am seriously considering large-scale Banking Sanctions and Sanctions against Russia until there is a cease fire and a FINAL PEACE AGREEMENT,” Trump said. “To Russia and Ukraine: Get to the table now before it’s too late. Thank you !!!”
Trump’s warnings come after he suspended this week all channels of military aid and intelligence-sharing after a heated meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Oval Office on Friday.
According to Ukrainian officials and ABC News, Russia launched an attack overnight on Ukraine that targeted energy and gas infrastructure with a drone and missile assault.
While repelling the Russian attack, the Ukrainian Air Force claimed that Russia launched 261 missiles or drones. It also said it used Mirage-2000 jet fighters for the very first time, along with F-16s.
Zelenskyy said that talks with the U.S. would be held next week to end the three-year conflict.
Zelenskyy demanded a ceasefire in the air and on the sea and added pressure to Russia following the attacks overnight.
He posted the following on the Telegraph App: “The first step to establishing a real peace is to force the sole cause of this war, Russia, to stop these attacks.”
According to Ukrainian authorities, at least 10 people were injured, including a young child.
Herman Halushchenko, Energy Minister, posted a Facebook message that read: “Russia is trying hurt ordinary Ukrainians, by striking energy and production facilities. It has not abandoned its goal to leave us without light or heat and to cause the greatest harm to our citizens.”
Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s electricity grid, disrupting vital heat and water supplies.
Zelenskyy announced in his weekly speech on Thursday that he will be traveling to Saudi Arabia to meet with the crown prince of that country and that his team would stay to have talks with U.S. government officials.
