
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže believes that US President Donald Trump should not wait 50 days, but should immediately impose sanctions against Russia for continuing military actions in Ukraine .
On the sidelines of the Aspen Security Forum, Braze welcomed Trump's decision to sell weapons to Ukraine and the promise of secondary tariffs "of about 100%" on Russia and its trading partners if there is no progress on a settlement, but said the introduction of restrictions "should happen much sooner."
According to the minister, sanctions will force Russia to sit down at the negotiating table and could affect the situation on the battlefield. "We are trying to put pressure on Russia and weaken its ability to wage war. This is not about the Russian people," Brazhe said.
Trump announced his decision earlier this week, saying that Russia and Ukraine “came close to a deal four times,” but nonetheless “nothing happened.” According to the Republican, his deadline is “not very long,” and “it could happen sooner.” CBS reported that the measures could affect more than a dozen countries in Asia, the Middle East, and South America that buy Russianoil and gas.
The Kremlin called Trump's statements very serious, noting that they need to be analyzed. According to the president's press secretary Dmitry Peskov, Ukraine perceives the US decisions "as a signal to continue the war." The HEAD of the MFASergey Lavrov considered that Trump is under "indecent pressure" from the EU and the current NATO leadership. The ministry stated that Russia does not accept ultimatums.
The EU is also discussing new sanctions against Russia and preparing to adopt the 18th package, which includes lowering the oil price ceiling and tougher measures against the financial sector. Slovakia is blocking the agreement on measures.
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