Politico: Trump delays decision on new Russia sanctions

U.S. President Donald Trump has yet to decide on imposing additional sanctions on Moscow despite escalating Russian attacks on Ukraine, according to four U.S. officials.

Pro-Ukraine allies on Capitol Hill are urging the White House to back new sanctions, while European partners worry Trump may abandon peace talks without punishing Russia, Caliber.Az reports, citing Politico.

In a recent Truth Social post, Trump warned, “What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realize is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He’s playing with fire!”

On May 25, Trump told reporters he was “absolutely” considering more economic sanctions on Russia, calling Putin “absolutely CRAZY” in a social media post.

Kurt Volker, Trump’s former special envoy to Ukraine, expressed doubt: “I am now very, very skeptical that Trump will ever apply any serious sanctions or measures on Russia. He has had so many opportunities to do it, and he has always ducked.”

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “This war is Joe Biden’s fault, and President Trump has been clear he wants to see a negotiated peace deal. President Trump has also smartly kept all options on the table.”

Fred Fleitz, close to the administration, said, “The time is coming within the next month or six weeks where Trump may end negotiations and put in place tough sanctions.”

Senate Republican leaders are preparing bipartisan sanctions legislation but seek Trump’s formal support. Majority Leader John Thune said, “If Russia doesn’t ‘engage in serious diplomacy, the Senate will work with the administration to consider additional sanctions.’”

Senator John Barrasso added, “If Russia stalls, the Senate will act decisively to move to bring lasting peace.”

Trump recently suggested economic ties with Russia post-conflict: “Russia wants to do large-scale TRADE with the United States when this catastrophic ‘bloodbath’ is over, and I agree.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev