Alright, folks, let’s break this down because things are heating up—again. President Donald Trump just dropped a bombshell on Truth Social, and it’s got everyone talking. He’s “strongly considering” slapping Russia with some “large scale” sanctions and tariffs unless Putin backs off and a real peace deal is struck. That’s right—Trump is throwing down the gauntlet, and he’s not mincing words.
Now, what exactly does that mean? Well, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett gave reporters a little tease, saying Trump is ready to use “carrots or sticks” to get both Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table. And when Fox News’ Jacqui Heinrich pressed him on what could be sanctioned, he gave a classic Washington answer—vague but ominous. “A heck of a lot of things” are on the table, he said. Translation? Russia should probably be paying attention.
This comes right on the heels of yet another massive Russian attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Reports say 67 missiles and a staggering 194 drones rained down overnight, hitting power plants, gas facilities, and energy grids. Ukraine’s Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko didn’t hold back, calling it “energy terror” and sounding the alarm that Russia is trying to cripple Ukraine’s ability to function.
“Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED. To Russia and Ukraine,… pic.twitter.com/kwrfbaQw4d
— President Donald J. Trump (@POTUS) March 7, 2025
And here’s where it gets even more interesting—this attack happened right after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that his team would be heading to Saudi Arabia for peace talks with the U.S. next week. Coincidence? Doubtful. But here’s the kicker—Zelenskyy himself isn’t going, just his team. And that’s where things get complicated.
Remember the tension between Trump and Zelenskyy? Just last week, Trump called Zelenskyy out, saying he “disrespected the United States” in the Oval Office and wasn’t “ready for peace.” That’s some strong language. But fast forward to Trump’s address to Congress, and suddenly things seemed to be on the mend. Trump even read a letter from Zelenskyy, signaling that maybe—just maybe—there’s a path forward.
President Trump says Ukraine will “make a deal” because they don’t have a choice.
The US has now played all its cards by terminating all support for Ukraine but the gambit failed.
Europe will now mobilize at lightning speed and help Ukraine defeat Russia, without US involvement. pic.twitter.com/9kN3vqlcH4— Igor Sushko (@igorsushko) March 7, 2025
So where does this all leave us? Well, Trump is making it clear that he wants this war over. He’s putting pressure on both sides, and with sanctions looming over Russia, things could get real tense, real fast. The world will be watching to see if Putin blinks, if Zelenskyy’s team can make progress in Saudi Arabia, and if Trump’s mix of tough talk and diplomacy actually moves the needle. Stay tuned, because this saga is far from over.
