Trump Threatens Russia with Sanctions

Trump took to Truth Social on March 7, 2025, to announce his plans for expanded sanctions and tariffs on Russia. His move follows a dramatic escalation in the war in Ukraine, raising questions about the broader geopolitical implications.

Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on March 7, aiming to disrupt essential services and weaken civilian morale. Nearly 70 missiles and 200 drones targeted power plants, water supplies, and heating systems. Ukrainian officials accused Russia of “weaponizing winter” to break the country’s resilience.

Compounding the crisis, the U.S. recently cut off intelligence sharing with Ukraine, leaving the country vulnerable. Without access to satellite imagery and advanced warnings, Ukraine’s ability to counter incoming attacks has been severely diminished. Analysts question whether Russia’s bold strike was a direct result of this strategic shift. Notably, many of the attacking drones were Iranian-made Shahed drones, a key component of Russia’s aerial assaults.

In response, President Zelenskyy took to X, calling for a truce and proposing conditions for peace. His demands include a ban on missiles, long-range drones, and bombs, as well as guarantees for safe navigation at sea. The reaction has been mixed—some accuse him of seeking peace only after losing crucial U.S. support, while others argue that the move is necessary to prevent further destruction.

Meanwhile, Trump’s announcement of stricter sanctions has also divided opinion. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent supports the move, arguing that previous sanctions were too weak and allowed Russia to continue funding its war machine. Bessent pledged that new measures would exert “immediate maximum impact” to force Russia into negotiations.

As the war rages on, both Trump’s sanctions strategy and Zelenskyy’s peace appeal will shape the next phase of the conflict.