TrumpCalls for Urgent Action Against Russia: New Sanctions on the Table Following Kyiv Strike

On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed strong condemnation of Russia’s ongoing aggression toward Ukraine, declaring it “disgusting” and threatening new sanctions unless Moscow agrees to a ceasefire by the end of next week.

When questioned about a recent Russian missile attack in Kyiv that resulted in 31 fatalities and numerous injuries, Trump stated, “It’s appalling what they are doing. I find it utterly disgraceful.” He emphasized that this violence must come to an end and vowed to impose additional sanctions on Russia if President Vladimir Putin does not conclude the conflict in Ukraine by August 8. “We are going to implement sanctions. I’m not sure that sanctions affect him,” Trump remarked.

Additionally, the U.S. president announced the forthcoming visit of his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, to Russia. Witkoff has previously met with Putin multiple times, although Trump’s bids to enhance relations with the Kremlin have stalled thus far.

On Monday, Trump criticized Putin for having “pleasant and respectful discussions” while simultaneously “bombarding” Ukrainian cities. He reduced his initial timeline for ending the conflict from 50 days to just 10, indicating the potential for new sanctions and secondary tariffs.

The Kremlin dismissed these warnings, informing reporters that “we have been under heavy sanctions for quite some time now.”

Trump’s latest statements indicate a notable change in his stance compared to earlier in the year, when he frequently voiced optimism about Putin’s readiness to engage in peace negotiations and had disagreements with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

However, after several months of lackluster peace discussions between Russia and Ukraine, which have resulted only in routine exchanges of prisoners, frustrations are growing within the Trump administration.