World | Russia-Ukraine war In Turnaround, Trump Takes a Hard Line on Russia After he suspended military aid to Ukraine, he's concerned it's getting a 'pounding,' threatens tariffs By Arden Dier Posted Mar 7, 2025 10:24 AM CST Copied President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, March 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is surely flummoxed by President Trump's sudden threat Friday to layer more sanctions and tariffs on Russia. After claiming it was Ukraine's fault for Russia's invasion, suspending US military aid to Ukraine, and pausing intelligence sharing with the country, Trump wrote Friday on Truth Social that he was "strongly considering large scale banking sanctions, sanctions, and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and final settlement agreement on peace is reached" because "Russia is absolutely 'pounding' Ukraine on the battlefield right now." It's Trump's "most direct challenge to Russia" since resuming office, per the Telegraph. He called in his post for Russia and Ukraine to get to the negotiating table "before it is too late." Trump gave no further details. He also threatened sanctions and tariffs against Russia in January "but didn't follow through," reports the Wall Street Journal. Russian soldiers have been advancing further west in recent weeks. Overnight Thursday, Russia launched a massive attack on key energy infrastructure in Ukraine, prompting Ukraine's energy minister to accuse the country of targeting "ordinary citizens." Read These Next Rob Reiner's son has been arrested after murder of his parents. Police interviewing family member after deaths of Rob Reiner, wife. The Reiners murders and arrest have called attention to a 2015 film. Horrific tragedy reported at Rob Reiner's house. Report an error