US President Donald Trump on Wednesday warned that Russia could face financial repercussions if it fails to uphold a 30-day ceasefire brokered during Kyiv and Washington negotiations in Saudi Arabia.
Trump stated that the responsibility now lies with Moscow, adding that US officials are set to travel to Russia to discuss the agreement and explore a roadmap toward broader peace talks.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump expressed optimism that Moscow might accept the ceasefire deal. "We have people currently heading to Russia," he confirmed, noting that US envoys were tasked with presenting the truce agreement to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Furthermore, Trump warned that Russia could face severe economic consequences if it continues its military offensive in Ukraine. "There are measures that could have a very negative financial impact," he said. "It would be disastrous for Russia. However, I don’t want that outcome, because my goal is to achieve peace".
While Ukraine has already agreed to the US-backed ceasefire, Russia has remained non-committal. The Kremlin stated that it is still 'studying' the proposal and is awaiting further details from American officials before making a decision. The plan calls for an immediate halt to hostilities on land, sea, and in the air.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, when pressed on Russia’s stance, offered a cautious response, stating that the matter required further discussions with US representatives.
The proposed ceasefire comes amid strained relations between the US and Ukraine following a heated exchange between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. The disagreement led to Trump temporarily halting military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv.
However, US support was reinstated after Ukraine agreed to the truce proposal during diplomatic negotiations in Saudi Arabia earlier this week.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the war has claimed tens of thousands of lives and caused widespread destruction. The potential ceasefire, if accepted by Moscow, would mark a crucial step toward ending the devastating conflict.
Source: India Today