State Dept: Trump explores economic leverage to end Russia-Ukraine war VIDEO

US President Donald Trump is continuing efforts to mediate an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, with the use of economic power among the options under consideration, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said on August 8.

“President Trump continues to work to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Using America's economic power to drive results in the negotiating process is one of his many options. Both sides must step up to bring the conflict to a full stop,” Bruce wrote on X, Caliber.Az reports. 

President Trump continues to work to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Using America's economic power to drive results in the negotiating process is one of his many options. Both sides must step up to bring the conflict to a full stop. pic.twitter.com/jczRhUr6rm

— Tammy Bruce (@statedeptspox) August 7, 2025

The comments come two days after Trump said there was a “very good chance” he would soon meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump informed allies during a phone call — which included Zelenskyy — that he was considering hosting a summit between the three leaders.

Putin’s foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, told reporters only that “signals” had been exchanged between Trump and Putin regarding Ukraine, without providing further details.

By Sabina Mammadli