Trump Answers Question About Maintaining Sanctions Against Russia

The new US president said that until a deal is reached between Ukraine and RUSSIA, he will use sanctions or tariffs against the latter, the latter he considers more effective. Moscow calls the restrictions illegal Donald Trump

The United States will maintain economic pressure on Russia until it concludes a deal with Ukraine, according to the words of the country's new president, Donald Trump. He was asked about maintaining sanctions against Moscow until it concludes an agreement at a press conference in the White House.

"Sanctions or tariffs. I think the word tariff is a much better word because it strengthens the DOLLAR . I think tariffs are more effective," Trump said.

The president added that he used sanctions against Iran and that it was “broke” when the Republican left office after his first term, “they didn’t have money for Hamas or Hezbollah.” “But now they’re rich,” which is why the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel became possible. The latter weakened Iran “in a different way” by attacking it last year, Trump noted.

Trump also said he plans to meet with President Vladimir Putin "as soon as possible." Speaking about the possible time frame for ending the conflict, the new president said: "I have to talk to President Putin, we're going to figure that out." According to him, it is necessary to find out whether he wants to make a deal, since there is such a desire on the Ukrainian side.

"I think Russia is going to be in big trouble. Look at their economy, look at their inflation," Trump said.

Moscow demands the lifting of sanctions to begin negotiations and a ceasefire in Ukraine . At the same time, Putin noted back in 2023 that the Russian economy , having survived an unprecedented “sanctions onslaught” from unfriendly countries, had recovered.

Putin's press secretary Dmitry Peskov said that one should not expect a significant change in the approach to relations with Russia under the new Trump administration.

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