He also hinted at tariffs on India for Russian oil imports, intensifying global stakes. (Image Credits: Financial Times)
U.S. President Donald Trump has once again issued a stern warning to Moscow, saying he is prepared to impose harsh economic sanctions on Russia if President Vladimir Putin refuses to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. Speaking at a White House Cabinet meeting on Tuesday (August 27), Trump clarified that while he would not push the world toward another war, he is willing to use America’s economic might as leverage.
“It will not be a world war, but it will be an economic war. An economic war is going to be bad, and it’s going to be bad for Russia,” Trump said.
The president underlined that sanctions remain a weapon he does not wish to use, but will not hesitate if negotiations collapse.
The American president has been pushing for direct, one-on-one talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Putin. While Zelensky has expressed openness to such a dialogue, the Kremlin has not signaled any willingness.
“We have economic sanctions. I’m talking about economic because we’re not going to get into a world war,” Trump told reporters. “Zelensky is not exactly innocent, either.”
His remark about the Ukrainian president’s role has stirred debates, with critics questioning whether equating both sides could undermine Kyiv’s position.
Trump has repeatedly leaned on economic pressure as a bargaining tool in foreign policy. The White House is reportedly exploring new measures that could include energy sector penalties, banking restrictions, and expanded trade barriers.
So far, Trump has withheld sanctions he had long threatened against Moscow, hoping instead to secure a peace breakthrough. U.S. officials say the administration is carefully weighing its options to avoid escalating tensions with Russia while maintaining leverage.
While Trump pursues a direct dialogue approach, U.S. and European allies have begun discussing possible post-war security guarantees for Ukraine.
According to reports, these discussions cover topics including improved air defense assistance, mechanisms for exchanging intelligence, and potentially long-term NATO collaborations short of full membership.
Diplomats suggest such guarantees may become necessary if Kyiv agrees to halt fighting without regaining all lost territories. Trump, however, insists his priority is to end the war swiftly, not draft long-term security plans.
The president also hinted that India could soon face tariff hikes due to its continued imports of Russian oil. Trump said Washington is preparing to impose an additional 25% tariff on U.S.-bound Indian exports starting Wednesday.
“India is one of the biggest consumers of Russian oil,” Trump said, suggesting that New Delhi’s trade links with Moscow could undermine peace efforts. The move marks an unusual step of applying economic pressure not just on the warring sides but also on nations indirectly fueling the conflict.
Also Read: Trump Warns: “It Won’t Be World War, But an Economic War” for Russia
With the Ukraine war dragging into its fourth year, Trump is once again turning to hardball tactics. Although he favors diplomacy, his words imply that if negotiations are unsuccessful, he is prepared to escalate economically.
The coming weeks may prove critical. If Putin resists dialogue and Zelensky continues to demand a full ceasefire before further concessions, Trump could be left with no choice but to make good on his threat.
