President Donald Trump is signaling a potential second phase of sanctions against Russia following the country’s largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the war began.
Speaking to reporters as he departed the White House for the U.S. Open in New York City on Sunday, Trump confirmed he is prepared to move forward. When asked about a second round of sanctions, the president replied simply, “Yeah, I am.”
The escalation comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a devastating overnight attack on Ukraine, deploying more than 800 drones and decoys. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that four people were killed, and 44 others injured during the strikes, calling the assault “ruthless” and urging the international community to act to stop the Kremlin’s aggression.
Earlier this week, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Trump for his “long and detailed” conversations with European leaders about potential paths to end the conflict. Trump acknowledged last week that resolving the war might be “a little more difficult” than anticipated, while emphasizing ongoing efforts to secure a peace deal.
Looking ahead, a team of European officials led by EU sanctions envoy David O’Sullivan is scheduled to meet with the U.S. Treasury on Monday to discuss additional economic measures. Discussions are expected to focus on energy, sanctions, financial services, and trade, as the West continues to pressure Russia.
Recent Russian attacks, including last month’s drone and missile strike on an American-owned electronics plant in western Ukraine, have heightened tensions. Trump has voiced increasing frustration with Putin but has so far refrained from imposing new sanctions—until now, signaling that a more aggressive economic response could be on the horizon.
Reporting by Lisa Lomami.
