President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he is prepared to implement a "second phase" of sanctions against Russia following a significant attack on Ukraine. This attack involved over 800 drones and 13 missiles, resulting in damage to the Cabinet of Ministers building in Kyiv and the tragic deaths of four individuals, including a mother and her baby.
Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the recent strikes, stating, "I am not thrilled with what’s happening there. I believe we're going to get it settled. But I am not happy with them. I'm not happy with anything having to do with that war." He indicated that he still plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the coming days, although the purpose of the conversation remains unclear.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for a strong response from Western nations, emphasizing the need for sanctions against Russia. He stated, "Clearly, Russia is trying to inflict pain on Ukraine with even more brazen attacks. This is a clear sign that Putin is testing the world whether they will accept or tolerate this." Zelenskyy urged leaders to back their statements with decisive actions, including tough tariffs and trade restrictions.
In light of the recent attacks, Trump is considering various sanctions, including secondary tariffs and restrictions on oil distributions and banks. A European delegation is expected to arrive in Washington, D.C., to discuss economic pressures on Russia, although details about the attendees and their discussions have not been disclosed.
The Kremlin has responded to the potential sanctions by accusing Ukraine and Europe of attempting to draw the United States into their conflict, asserting that no sanctions will alter their stance.
As the situation evolves, Ukraine's military reported that it had recaptured the town of Zarichne in Donetsk, a region where Russian forces had previously occupied approximately 75%. This development highlights the ongoing conflict and the complexities surrounding peace negotiations.