‘Going to be bad for Russia…’: Donald Trump warns of ‘economic war’ if Putin doesn't agree to Ukraine talks; says ‘very serious what I have in mind’

US President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning of ‘economic war’ to Russia if Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy fail to resolve their ongoing conflict.

According to a Bloomberg report, Trump said the ‘economic war’ would be ‘very bad’ for Russia. "It will not be a world war, but it'll be an economic war, and an economic war is going to be bad. It's going to be bad for Russia, and I don't want that," Trump said during a White House cabinet meeting, Bloomberg reported.


Despite Trump's pledge to terminate Russia's Ukrainian campaign upon taking office, the situation has been difficult, even following the landmark August 15 Trump-Putin summit in Anchorage, which was anticipated to facilitate progress.

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Trump has consistently warned of sanctions and additional repercussions for Moscow and countries whose Russian oil purchases he believes finance its military operations.

Whilst he has implemented increased tariffs of 50% on Indian imports due to their Russian oil procurement, he has refrained from imposing similar measures on China and other countries purchasing Russian petroleum.

Trump’s fresh warning to Russia

When questioned about establishing a deadline for Putin to accept bilateral discussions with Zelenskiy before implementing proposed sanctions, Trump addressed the matter directly.

"It's very serious what I have in mind, if I have to do it," Trump declared, in reference to the significant weekly casualties resulting from the conflict.

The diplomatic efforts between Putin and Zelenskiy, facilitated by Trump, suggested a potential first face-to-face dialogue between the opposing leaders since Russia's comprehensive invasion of its neighbouring state over three years ago.

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Despite initial optimism following the Alaska discussions, no concrete meeting arrangements have materialised. Although the White House indicated Putin's acceptance of meeting Zelenskiy and mentioned ongoing preparations, the Kremlin has not verified this commitment.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov clarified to NBC on Friday that whilst Putin would be willing to meet Zelenskiy once a summit agenda is established, "this agenda is not ready at all."

"Zelenskiy's not exactly innocent either," Trump said on Tuesday. During his earlier presidency, Trump criticised Zelenskiy for perceived ingratitude towards US assistance and viewed him as hindering peace efforts.

"Everybody's posturing," Trump remarked when questioned about Lavrov's statement indicating Putin's unwillingness to negotiate a peace agreement with Zelenskiy.

Trump suggested a peace conference during an August 18 conversation with Putin, following his White House consultation with Zelenskiy and European officials regarding security assurances they consider essential for sustained peace and preventing future Russian advances.

Zelenskiy has indicated that he anticipates announcing security guarantees supported by the US and European allies "in the coming days."

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