Trump Doubts Immediate Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire, Hints at Sanctions on Both

U.S. President Donald Trump, during a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the White House, expressed doubts about the feasibility of achieving an immediate ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the near future. Trump highlighted the deep-seated animosity and hostility between the two nations, as well as Russia's stated intention to retaliate strongly against any Ukrainian attacks on its strategic military bases, as significant obstacles to achieving a quick ceasefire. He compared his role to that of a referee in an ice hockey game, suggesting that sometimes it is better to let the players fight it out for a while before intervening.

Merkel, on the other hand, described Trump as a "key figure" in stopping the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, while also urging him to exert more pressure on Russia. Trump, however, did not provide a clear response when asked multiple times by the media about the possibility of imposing new sanctions on Russia or supporting new legislation for sanctions. He merely indicated that he would discuss the matter with Merkel and hinted that no immediate action was forthcoming.

Trump also suggested that he might consider imposing sanctions on both Russia and Ukraine, stating that "one hand cannot clap alone." He implied that if the situation did not improve, the U.S. would take a firm stance and potentially sanction both countries. This stance was interpreted by some as a retreat from his initial position of trying to persuade both sides to achieve peace.