Washington: US President Donald Trump has warned that Russia could face significant financial consequences if it fails to uphold a 30-day ceasefire agreement brokered during negotiations between Kyiv and Washington in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump confirmed that US officials were traveling to Russia to present the agreement and explore broader peace talks. "We have people currently heading to Russia," Trump said.
He also cautioned that continued military aggression from Russia would lead to severe economic repercussions. "I can do things that would be very bad for Russia, would be devastating for Russia. However, I don't want that outcome. But I want to see peace."
The White House confirmed that Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, a mediator in both the Gaza and Ukraine conflicts, would be in Moscow this week to discuss the agreement. Trump did not confirm whether he would personally speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin but acknowledged "positive messages" from Moscow, stating, "I hope he's going to have a ceasefire."
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.
Russia lays out demandsRussia has presented the US with a list of demands for a deal to end its war against Ukraine, a Reuters report said, adding that it is not clear what exactly Moscow included on its list or whether it is willing to engage in peace talks with Kyiv prior to their acceptance. Bloomberg said that Russian President Vladimir Putin will probably agree to eventual truce terms with Ukraine but wants his own conditions met beforehand, likely dragging out the negotiations. The Russian leader wants to make sure his stipulations are taken into account before agreeing to a ceasefire, the report said. |
