The US president has acknowledged Russia’s capacity to manage Western sanctions.
US President Donald Trump stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is “a professional” who has demonstrated an ability to navigate Western sanctions, but he understands that further measures could be imposed if the conflict in Ukraine remains unresolved.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday, Trump confirmed that the two leaders had discussed the possibility of sanctions during their phone call on Thursday. “I would say he [Putin] is not thrilled with it, but you know, he’s been able to handle sanctions, but these are pretty biting sanctions.”
The Russian president, Trump added, is fully aware that the United States possesses the capability to intensify pressure. “You know, he’s a professional. It may be coming,” he further noted.
According to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov, the one-hour phone call between Putin and Trump covered the Ukraine conflict, the volatile situation in the Middle East, and areas for Russia-US cooperation.
Ushakov indicated that Trump brought up the need to end hostilities as soon as possible, and while Moscow remains open to a political resolution, it will not abandon its objectives, including addressing the fundamental causes of the conflict. Subsequently, Trump expressed being “unhappy” with the lack of progress towards peace.
US lawmakers have put forth a bill proposing a 500% tariff on imports from nations that continue to acquire Russian oil and energy products. Introduced by US Senator Lindsey Graham and supported by at least 81 senators, the bill also suggests expanding sanctions on Russia, including its sovereign debt. Last month, Graham claimed Trump told him “it’s time to move the bill” to a vote.
At that time, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked that Graham’s opinions are “well known to the whole world,” adding that “he belongs to a group of inveterate Russophobes,” and that he would have imposed new sanctions on Russia long ago if he held power.
“Would that have helped the [Ukraine] settlement? That is a question that those who initiate such events should ask themselves,” Peskov stated.
The US first imposed sanctions on Russia in 2014 following the onset of the Ukraine crisis. After the conflict escalated in 2022, these measures were significantly broadened to encompass financial and energy sanctions, as well as asset freezes. Russian officials have labeled the sanctions as “illegal,” while emphasizing Russia’s economic resilience and asserting that they have bolstered domestic production.