Trump: I am seriously considering extensive sanctions against Russia

Donald Trump announced that in response to Russia's relentless attacks on Ukraine, he is 'seriously considering' the imposition of new sanctions, including banking sanctions and tariffs against Moscow. The U.S. President stated on social media on Friday, March 8, that these sanctions will remain in place until a ceasefire and peace agreement with Ukraine is achieved. Meanwhile, Trump has also suspended military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine to pressure Kyiv into accepting a ceasefire agreement. This decision followed a tense meeting last week at the White House with Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine. The Kremlin has stated that Iran's nuclear program is part of the negotiations between Russia and the U.S. In his social media message, Trump wrote that the new sanctions and tariffs are being imposed considering that Russia is 'currently relentlessly pounding Ukraine on the battlefield.' He also urged Russian and Ukrainian officials to come to the negotiating table 'before it is too late.' Trump's threat to impose new sanctions and tariffs against Russia comes just days after Reuters reported that the White House is preparing a plan for potentially easing sanctions on Russia as part of the U.S. government's efforts to end the war and improve diplomatic and economic relations with Moscow. Russia, one of the world's largest oil producers, has faced one of the toughest sanctions regimes from the United States and its allies since its invasion of Ukraine three years ago. Trump's comments regarding new sanctions against Russia come a day after a meeting of European Union leaders, during which Volodymyr Zelensky urged European leaders to support the idea of establishing a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. On the other hand, Steve Witkoff, Trump's special representative, also confirmed on the same day that he is in contact with Ukrainian officials regarding a framework for stopping hostilities and achieving peace. Mr. Witkoff simultaneously stated that he is coordinating a meeting with Ukrainian officials hosted by Saudi Arabia.