United States President Donald Trump  stated that he is “strongly considering large-scale banking sanctions and tariffs” on Russia. This would continue until a “ceasefire and a final peace settlement agreement” with Ukraine is reached. Trump’s statement followed Moscow’s massive drone and missile attack on Ukrainian energy and gas infrastructure on Thursday.

Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social, “Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely “pounding” Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large-scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED.”

US President further warned both the countries to arrive at conclusion before it is too late. He ended the post with “Thankyou.” “To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late,” he added. Trump had paused all United States military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv.

Ukraine & US Talks

Notably, Ukraine and the United States officials are expected to meet in Saudi Arabia next week to discuss a framework for ending Russia’s war. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that he would travel to Saudi Arabia for a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before bilateral talks with US officials.

Meanwhile, US envoy Steve Witkoff also confirmed that he would meet Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia. It is expected that the leaders would hold discussion on “initial ceasefire” and a “framework” for a longer agreement.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has notified that the talks would take place in the Red Sea city of Jeddah.