Trump could deal final blow if Putin refuses ceasefire

Donald Trump has suggested that he could impose financial sanctions on Russia if Vladimir Putin refuses to accept the 30-day ceasefire proposal put forward by the U.S. president and approved by Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Trump’s warning comes as French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated that an official ceasefire announcement could come as early as Thursday and that Europe must play a role in ensuring it is upheld.

The United States, Ukraine, and European nations are now waiting for Moscow’s response, with American diplomats scheduled to meet with Vladimir Putin by the end of the week.

"If the Russian president refuses, I understand that we could count on strong steps. I don’t know the details yet, but we are talking about sanctions and about strengthening Ukraine," Zelenskyy said on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Trump indicated that he had received 'positive messages' from Moscow but cautioned that this does not guarantee anything.

"It’s up to Russia now. Our people are going to Russia right now as we speak. And hopefully, we can get a ceasefire from Russia," Trump said from the White House.

(QG - Source: The Guardian / Picture: © Pixabay)