US to impose tough sanctions on Russia if ceasefire fails
If Russia does not stop, the United States will impose sanctions—this is what the American leader reportedly said during a private meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky in the Vatican. The behind-the-scenes details are described by the American newspaper "The Washington Post."
Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with reporters in Kyiv on the eve of his trip to Berlin. At that time, he mentioned that during the April meeting with Trump, he discussed sanctions with the U.S. President and left the meeting with the understanding that Washington "is on board."
"President Trump supported that if Russia does not stop, there will be sanctions," Volodymyr Zelensky told journalists at the Tuesday briefing. "Our conversation was positive from the point of view that I perceive our conversation as a confirmation of the U.S. policy of imposing strong sanctions against Russia if Putin does not agree to a ceasefire," he added.
Let us recall that on April 26, on the sidelines of the funeral ceremonies of Pope Francis, a meeting took place between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump. It was their first private meeting since the Oval Office confrontation during the Ukrainian President's visit to Washington.
"The Washington Post" notes that in recent weeks the Ukrainian leader has intensified his calls for new sanctions against Russia, insisting that Ukraine's partners, including the United States, understand that the only way to stop attacks on Ukraine is to economically strangle Russia. This would slow down its war machine and make ordinary Russians feel the effects of the war.
Since the Vatican meeting, Russia has not agreed to any proposal to stop the fighting, even when Ukraine declares its readiness for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire at any moment. "The Washington Post" reminds readers that the U.S. has also not imposed new sanctions on Moscow, despite Trump's recent threats toward the Kremlin.
In early May, Trump called for a 30-day ceasefire and its observance. "Hopefully, an acceptable ceasefire will be observed, and both Countries will be held accountable for respecting the sanctity of these direct negotiations. If the ceasefire is not respected, the U.S. and its partners will impose further sanctions," the U.S. President wrote on social media.
