In a significant acknowledgment, US President Donald Trump has recognized that Russian President Vladimir Putin has managed to navigate the challenges posed by Western sanctions. This admission comes after a phone call between the two leaders, where they discussed the potential for further sanctions if the Ukraine conflict remains unresolved. According to Trump, Putin is “a professional” who has learned to handle the sanctions, but is aware that more could be on the horizon.
During the phone call, which lasted an hour, the two leaders touched on several key topics, including the Ukraine conflict, the volatile situation in the Middle East, and the state of Russia-US cooperation. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov revealed that Trump emphasized the need to end hostilities as soon as possible, while Moscow expressed its openness to finding a political solution. However, Ushakov also made it clear that Russia will not back down from its goals, including addressing the root causes of the conflict. Trump later expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of progress towards peace, stating that he was “unhappy” with the current situation.
The US has already imposed significant sanctions on Russia, starting in 2014 with the onset of the Ukraine crisis. These sanctions were drastically expanded in 2022 to include financial and energy sanctions, as well as asset freezes. Russian officials have consistently described these sanctions as “illegal,” but have also highlighted the country’s economic resilience, arguing that the sanctions have actually strengthened domestic production.
In a related development, US lawmakers have introduced a bill that proposes a 500% tariff on imports from countries that continue to purchase Russian oil and energy products. The bill, introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham and backed by at least 81 senators, also seeks to extend sanctions on Russia, including its sovereign debt. Graham claimed that Trump told him “it’s time to move the bill” to a vote, although Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed Graham’s views as those of an “inveterate Russophobe.” Peskov questioned whether imposing new sanctions would have helped to settle the Ukraine conflict, suggesting that those initiating such actions should consider the potential consequences.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Russia will respond to the potential for further sanctions. With Putin described as “a professional” who can handle the sanctions, it is clear that Russia is preparing for all eventualities. The international community will be watching closely to see how the situation develops, and whether a resolution to the Ukraine conflict can be found.
