US President Donald Trump said he is "strongly considering" imposing banking sanctions, other sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and peace deal with Ukraine is reached.
This is one of the few times Trump has decided to put direct and public pressure on Vladimir Putin, and it comes at a time when a Ukrainian delegation is expected to meet with the American side to agree on the much-discussed rare earth minerals deal.
"Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely 'smashing' Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large-scale sanctions and banking tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and a final peace settlement agreement are reached. To Russia and Ukraine, come to the table now, before it's too late. Thank you," Trump said in a social media post.