Trump Threatens Putin with 'Devastating' Financial Consequences Over Ukraine Ceasefire Deal

In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump has threatened to impose "devastating" financial consequences on Russia if Putin refuses to agree to a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine. This ultimatum comes as part of Trump's broader push to broker peace in a conflict that he warns could potentially spiral into World War III.

Speaking about his administration's efforts to mediate the crisis, Trump emphasized the gravity of the situation. "There are things that wouldn't be pleasant in a financial sense. I can do things financially that would be very bad for Russia. I don't want to do that because I want to get peace," Trump stated. He further elaborated, "In a financial sense, yes, we could do things that would be very bad for Russia, that would be devastating for Russia. But I don't want to do that."

The announcement follows reports that Ukraine has agreed to a 30-day ceasefire, contingent on Russia's acceptance. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz confirmed the development, stating that the ball is now in Russia's court. "We're going to tell them this is what's on the table. Ukraine is ready to stop shooting and start talking. And now it'll be up to them to say yes or no," Rubio said.

This marks a significant shift in Trump's approach to Russia. Previously, Trump had often praised Putin as a shrewd leader and even expressed understanding of Russia's geopolitical stance. However, the escalating violence in Ukraine and the potential for a broader global conflict appear to have prompted a change in tone.

The U.S. has already imposed a series of economic sanctions on Russia and targeted individual Russian oligarchs following the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Trump's latest threat suggests that additional financial measures could be on the horizon if Russia fails to comply with the ceasefire proposal.

Putin's Stance on Ceasefires
Historically, Putin has been skeptical of short-term truces, arguing that they primarily benefit Ukraine by allowing its forces to regroup and rearm. "As for the settlement of the situation, I would like to emphasize that it shouldn't be aimed at a brief truce - some sort of a break for regrouping troops and rearmament in order to continue the conflict - but a long-term peace," Putin has previously stated.

However, rejecting the current ceasefire offer could further strain U.S.-Russia relations, especially at a time when Trump has taken steps to improve bilateral ties. The former president has also been vocal about holding NATO allies accountable and engaging in trade wars with traditional partners, adding another layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape.

Upcoming Diplomatic Talks
Trump revealed that his envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to travel to Moscow for crucial talks aimed at securing Russia's agreement to the ceasefire. "We have people going over there (to Moscow). Mr. VP, you have anything to say about this? Because you're very much involved," Trump said, turning to Vice President J.D. Vance during a meeting with the Irish Taoiseach in the Oval Office. Vance confirmed ongoing discussions, stating, "We've got some conversations that are happening on the phone and in person with some of our representatives over the next couple of days."

When questioned about whether Putin would honor a ceasefire, given past violations, Trump remained cautiously optimistic. "We haven't spoken to him yet with substance, because we just found out. We're going to know very soon. I've gotten some positive messages, but a positive message means nothing. Very serious situation. This is a situation that could lead to World War III," he said.

Recent Developments
The ceasefire proposal gained momentum after talks in Saudi Arabia, where Ukraine agreed to the U.S.-brokered plan. In response, the U.S. announced the resumption of military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv. Meanwhile, Russia has continued its aggressive military campaign, launching missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilian areas.

Hours before the Saudi talks, Ukraine executed its largest drone attack yet on Moscow, signaling its determination to resist Russian aggression. At the White House, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated the administration's commitment to peace. "We urge the Russians to sign on to this plan. This is the closest we have been to peace in this war. We are at the 10th yard line, and the President is expecting the Russians to help us run this into the end zone," she said.

Conclusion
As the world watches closely, the fate of the proposed ceasefire now rests with Russia. Will Putin agree to a temporary truce, or will he risk further alienating the U.S. and facing severe financial repercussions? The coming days will be critical in determining whether this diplomatic effort can bring an end to one of the most devastating conflicts of the 21st century.