Trump warns Russia of severe sanctions “if necessary,” but Ukraine could also be impacted.

US President Donald Trump expressed his willingness to endorse the Senate’s sanctions bill against Russia “if necessary.” He stated, “If I believe that Russia will not make a deal and stop the bloodshed… I will apply sanctions.” Trump’s comments suggest that even though many senators back additional Russian sanctions, the ultimate decision is his.

He previously suggested that sanctions might be levied that could also target Ukraine, stating, “When I see that we cannot make a deal, that this will not stop, there is a deadline in my head; we will be very tough… And this may apply to both countries.”

Nevertheless, he reaffirmed his support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is working to persuade Republican Senator Lindsey Graham to substantially soften the sanctions bill, which has received backing from over 80 senators. However, the president worries that the new sanctions might jeopardize his aim of “reviving US-Russia relations.”

Additionally, Trump is not urging China to halt its military support for Russia, as his administration prioritizes bilateral economic and strategic issues, relegating the Ukraine conflict to a secondary focus in US foreign policy.

The European Commission, for its part, is not ready to announce when the 18th sanctions package will be introduced, as it is still in preparation.