U.S. President Donald Trump intensified his calls on Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a peace deal to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. In a Truth Social post on Wednesday (Jan 22), Trump warned of stringent economic measures if Moscow fails to bring the conflict to a close.
“If we don’t make a ‘deal,’ and soon, I have no other choice but to put high levels of Taxes, Tariffs, and Sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States, and various other participating countries,” Trump wrote.
The statement underscores Trump’s urgency in seeking a resolution to the war, fulfilling a campaign promise he repeatedly emphasized during his bid for a second term. “Let’s get this war, which never would have started if I were President, over with! 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,’” Trump declared.
A War Trump Says “Should Never Have Started”
Trump has long criticized the war in Ukraine, calling it a conflict that could have been avoided under his leadership. Prior to his inauguration earlier this week, he boasted that he could end the war within 24 hours, raising hopes among his supporters for a swift resolution.
On Wednesday, however, Trump adopted a harsher tone toward Putin than he has since returning to office. While he acknowledged a “very good relationship” with the Russian president, he also issued a stark warning: “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.”
The remark reflects a significant departure from Trump’s prior approach, which critics say was often overly accommodating of Putin. Trump, however, framed his demands as an act of tough diplomacy.
Tougher Sanctions Loom Over Russia
The United States has already imposed extensive sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. These measures, first implemented under President Joe Biden, have targeted Moscow’s energy sector and key exports, significantly crippling the Russian economy.
Data from the U.S. Department of Commerce reveals the impact of these sanctions: U.S. imports from Russia dropped from $4.3 billion between January and November 2023 to $2.9 billion in the same period in 2024. Fertilizers and precious metals remain the primary Russian imports to the United States.
But Trump, a self-proclaimed master of deal-making, believes there is still room to turn up the economic pressure. Administration officials have reportedly discussed strategies for imposing even stricter penalties on Moscow, aiming to bring Putin to the negotiating table.
“We’re looking at everything,” Trump said during a White House press conference on Tuesday. When asked about continuing Biden’s policy of providing military aid to Ukraine, Trump was noncommittal, stating, “We’re talking to [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy, we’re going to be talking to President Putin very soon.”
Will Trump Strongarm Ukraine?
The announcement comes amid speculation that Trump may pressure Kyiv to make concessions, including territorial compromises, to expedite a peace agreement. Such a move would likely face significant opposition from Ukraine, where President Zelenskyy has steadfastly rejected ceding any territory to Moscow.
Despite this, Trump suggested on Monday that Zelenskyy was open to a deal. “Zelenskyy has told me he wants peace,” Trump said, without providing further details about their conversation.
While Trump’s remarks signaled a tougher stance on Russia, they have also heightened concerns in Kyiv and among U.S. allies in Europe. Critics worry that Trump’s insistence on reaching a quick resolution could result in a settlement that compromises Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
A Rare Rebuke of Putin
Since the beginning of his political career, Trump has been noted for his favorable comments toward Putin. He has praised the Russian leader’s strongman persona and traditional values, which resonate with some of Trump’s Christian conservative base.
However, Trump’s recent statements suggest a shift in tone. On Monday, he accused Putin of “destroying Russia” by prolonging the war, adding that the Russian leader would be doing himself a favor by ending the conflict.
This uncharacteristic rebuke of Putin is likely a calculated move to project strength in the face of growing domestic and international scrutiny over Trump’s foreign policy.
What’s Next for U.S.-Russia Relations?
Despite the tough talk, Trump has expressed his willingness to engage directly with Putin. During Tuesday’s press conference, he hinted at an upcoming meeting with the Russian president, possibly reminiscent of their controversial 2018 summit in Helsinki.
The Kremlin, for its part, has responded cautiously. Putin congratulated Trump on his second inauguration earlier this week and expressed openness to dialogue with the new administration. In a statement, the Russian leader emphasized the importance of a settlement that ensures “lasting peace.”
Yet, questions remain about the feasibility of a deal under the current conditions. Russia has shown no signs of retreating from its aggressive stance in Ukraine, and Putin continues to frame the conflict as a necessary defense against Western encroachment.
A Divisive Promise
Trump’s promise to end the war “within 24 hours” has drawn skepticism from foreign policy experts and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. Some argue that Trump’s approach lacks a clear strategy, while others worry it could embolden Putin to demand more favorable terms.
The lack of clarity surrounding Trump’s policy toward military aid for Ukraine has also raised concerns. Biden’s administration allocated tens of billions of dollars in military assistance to bolster Kyiv’s defenses, a move Trump criticized on the campaign trail as overly generous.
During his first term, Trump faced accusations of withholding military aid to Ukraine in exchange for political favors—an episode that led to his first impeachment. This history adds a layer of complexity to Trump’s current efforts to broker peace.
The outcome of Trump’s push for a peace deal will have far-reaching implications beyond the U.S. and Russia. European allies, many of whom have borne the brunt of the refugee crisis and economic fallout from the war, are watching closely.
Some European leaders have expressed support for a negotiated settlement, but many remain wary of a deal that undermines Ukraine’s independence.
China, which has maintained a close partnership with Russia, could also play a key role in shaping the trajectory of the conflict. Beijing has positioned itself as a potential mediator, but its overtures have been met with skepticism from Western powers.
As Trump navigates this high-stakes diplomatic challenge, the path forward remains uncertain. His approach to the Ukraine war—part tough talk, part transactional diplomacy—reflects his broader foreign policy philosophy, which prioritizes deals over doctrine.
Whether this strategy will yield the swift resolution Trump has promised remains to be seen. For now, the world waits as Trump prepares to engage Putin in what could be the most consequential negotiation of his presidency.
With the war in Ukraine entering its third year, the stakes could not be higher for all parties involved. Trump’s high-pressure tactics may succeed in bringing Russia and Ukraine to the table—or risk deepening the divisions that have already fractured the global order.
