US President Donald Trump has warned that Washington is ready to impose "devastating" financial sanctions against Russia if Moscow does not take steps towards peace in Ukraine, the BBC quotes him as saying, News.bg reports.
Speaking to journalists in the Oval Office, Trump stressed that there is a possibility of economic measures that "will not be pleasant" for Russia.
"That would be very bad for Russia. I don't want to do it because I want to achieve peace," he said. "But if necessary, these financial measures could be devastating for Moscow."
Progress in Ukraine talks
The American president said that talks to end the war in Ukraine were progressing and that the situation seemed more favorable compared to previous attempts at dialogue.
"I was in contact with a person (Zelensky - ed.) who seemed not to want peace. Now he agreed. So we'll see," Trump said, referring to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
However, he refused to give a specific assessment of the likelihood of an agreement, but stressed that "it makes sense for Russia."
US representatives travel to Moscow
In development on the topic, Trump revealed that US representatives are traveling to Russia right now to discuss the issue with Ukraine.
"Our representatives are leaving for Russia right now", the president said, adding that "now it all depends on Russia.".
He also stressed that Washington has received "several positive signals" regarding the possibility of a ceasefire.
Trump's statements come at a critical moment when the US is actively participating in diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful solution to the war. Key negotiations between American and Ukrainian representatives took place in Jeddah, and now it seems that Washington is stepping up direct dialogue with Moscow as well.
Prospects for new sanctions
It is expected that in the coming days it will become clear whether the negotiations will lead to a real agreement or whether tensions will escalate, especially in view of potential new economic sanctions against Russia.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also noted that contacts in the coming days have not been ruled out.
"We do not rule out contacts with US representatives in the next few days," the diplomat said, answering a question from TASS.