Trump threatens sanctions on Russia, demands peace after major hits in Ukraine
Former President Donald Trump has warned of potential "large-scale" sanctions against Russia following a major attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that he is "strongly considering" imposing sanctions and tariffs on Russia "until a ceasefire and final settlement agreement on peace is reached."
National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett reinforced Trump’s stance, telling reporters that the former president is prepared to use both "carrots or sticks" to push Russia and Ukraine toward negotiations. When pressed by Fox News Senior White House Correspondent Jacqui Heinrich for specifics on potential sanctions, Hassett responded vaguely, stating there are "a heck of a lot of things" that could be targeted.
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he was "strongly considering" imposing sanctions on Russia. (Truth Social)
During the overnight assault, Russia launched 67 missiles and 194 drones, targeting Ukraine’s energy and gas infrastructure, according to Ukraine’s air force, as reported by Reuters. The attack left at least 10 people injured, including a child, according to initial reports.
From left: Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. (Sputnik/Alexei Danichev/Pool via Reuters/Leah Millis/Alina Smutko)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that Ukraine will participate in U.S.-led peace talks, just days after a tense exchange in the Oval Office.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko condemned Russia’s continued strikes on critical infrastructure, writing on Facebook, "Russia continues its energy terror. Again, energy and gas infrastructure in various regions of Ukraine has come under massive missile and drone fire."
Throughout the three-year war, Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s energy sector. In April 2024, Russian forces destroyed one of Ukraine's largest power plants, and in December 2024, they launched another devastating assault on the country's power grid.
In his Truth Social post, former President Donald Trump urged both nations to negotiate, warning, "Get to the table right now, before it is too late."
A view shows a site of an apartment building hit by a Russian missile strike in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Friday. (Reuters/Vyacheslav Madiyevskyy)
Friday’s Russian attack appeared to be a response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s confirmation that his team will participate in U.S.-led peace talks in Saudi Arabia next week. While Zelenskyy himself will not attend, his delegation will engage in discussions with American officials on potential paths to end the conflict.
In announcing Ukraine’s participation, Zelenskyy stressed that his country is "most interested in peace." However, the topic has been a source of tension between Donald Trump and Zelenskyy, particularly after Trump previously claimed that the Ukrainian leader was "not ready for peace" following their heated Oval Office exchange.
From left: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance meet in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 28. (AP Photo/ Mystyslav Chernov)
"He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for peace," former President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social last week following his tense meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
However, tensions between the two leaders appear to have eased. During his address to a joint session of Congress, Trump read a letter from Zelenskyy, signaling a potential shift in their relationship. Trump acknowledged the letter, stating that he appreciated Zelenskyy’s message and reaffirming his desire to see the "savage conflict" come to an end.