US President Donald Trump has warned of new sanctions on Russia, including targeting its banking sector, due to Russia’s continued attacks on Ukraine. This comes after weeks of more conciliatory statements from Trump toward Russia and President Vladimir Putin, including hints that he might ease sanctions.
Trump expressed on Truth Social that, due to Russia’s ongoing assault on Ukraine, he is now considering strong sanctions, including banking restrictions, tariffs, and other measures, until a ceasefire and peace agreement are reached.
He urged both Russia and Ukraine to negotiate a peace deal immediately, saying, “Get to the table right now, before it is too late.”
This announcement follows a tense exchange at the White House between Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Vice President JD Vance, which resulted in Zelensky being asked to leave. The US has since paused intelligence sharing and military aid to Ukraine.
On the Battlefield: Russian forces launched deadly airstrikes across Ukraine, hitting energy facilities. These attacks killed at least two people and injured seven in southern Kherson, while two others were wounded in central Poltava. Other regions, including Kharkiv, Odesa, and Ternopil, reported damage to residential buildings and energy infrastructure. Ukrainian oil and gas company Naftogaz confirmed that these were the 17th missile and drone strikes targeting its facilities, part of Russia’s ongoing effort to weaken Ukraine’s defenses and energy infrastructure, especially during the harsh winter months.