President Donald Trump has threatened new sanctions on Russia after it continued to bombard Ukraine, just days after he previously suspended US aid to Kyiv.
The threat comes after Russia launched major drone and missile attacks overnight on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: ‘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.
‘To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late.’
Russia targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in a large-scale missile and drone bombardment hours after it was announced talks with the US on ending the three-year war would take place next week.
Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s power grid during the war.
Today, NATO warplanes were on high alert to shoot down any Russian missiles entering Polish airspace, which could potentially trigger World War 3.
The action came amid uncertainty over the alliance’s long-term role as the US threatens to step back from defending European security.
‘The operational commander of the regional armed forces mobilised all the forces and means at his disposal,’ said a statement from NATO.
‘Duty pairs of fighter jets were put into the air, and ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems reached the highest level of readiness. The measures taken are aimed at ensuring security in the territories bordering the threatened areas.’
Prominent Ukrainian activist and lawyer Serhii Sternenko said sarcastically: ‘As part of their “pursuit of peace”, the Russians carried out a massive combined attack against our electricity and gas infrastructure in the morning.
‘They used ballistic, cruise [missiles] Kh-101 and Kalibr, aircraft guided missiles, and UAVs.’
Days earlier, the Trump administration suspended US military aid deliveries and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine after a public argument with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Both Trump and Vice President JD Vance berated Zelensky in a televised meeting at the White House, accusing him of not being thankful for billions of dollars in US weapons.
Trump has since faced harsh criticism from allies and domestic opponents who say he has sided with Russia, which invaded Ukraine in 2022.
The United States voted with Russia and against its European allies on United Nations resolutions that called for ending the war without stressing Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Kyiv’s three-page resolution demanded Russia withdraw its forces from Ukraine immediately and for Moscow to be held accountable for war crimes.
The resolution was passed with 93 votes, with every EU country except Hungary voting in favour of the motion. 18 countries, including the US, Russia and North Korea rejected the deal, while 64 countries, including China abstained on the vote.
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