Trump ready to punish Putin, Russia after latest deadly assault on Ukraine
President Donald Trump said he’s ready to move forward to the “second stage” of sanctions against Russia. AP
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Sunday that he is prepared to move forward with a new round of sanctions against Russia following the country’s largest air assault on Ukraine since the war began.
Asked by reporters if he was ready to initiate a “second stage” of sanctions against Moscow, Trump replied, “Yes,” but did not provide specific details about what the next phase would entail.
Speaking from the White House lawn before departing for the U.S. Open in New York City, Trump referred to earlier threats made prior to his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last month. At that time, Trump had warned of sweeping sanctions and tariffs targeting nations that continue to buy Russian oil — a major source of funding for the Kremlin amid ongoing Western sanctions.
“[Sunday’s] barbaric attack proved we have to do whatever it takes to stop the Russian war machine fueled by oil and gas revenue,” Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko told The Post. “We appreciate President Trump’s prompt reaction and a strong signal of readiness to impose secondary sanctions on Russia. This step is very important for Ukraine as our people continue to suffer every day from Russian strikes of increasing scale. We hope this decision comes effective soon.”
While Trump struck an optimistic tone after meeting with Putin in Alaska — suggesting potential progress toward peace — Russia has continued its assault on Ukraine. The latest attack, which occurred overnight, involved at least 810 drones and decoys, making it the most extensive air campaign of the conflict to date.
The Ukrainian government reported that four people were killed and 44 injured in the strike, which also targeted central Kyiv for the first time — including a direct hit on a key government building.
Ukrainian forces say they intercepted more than 745 of the drones, along with four Russian missiles. Until now, the previous record for an aerial bombardment came in July, when Russia launched 728 drones in a single night.
“For the first time, the government building was damaged by an enemy attack, including the roof and upper floors,” Prime Minister Svyrydenko said. “We will restore the buildings, but lost lives cannot be returned. The world must respond to this destruction not only with words, but with actions. There is a need to strengthen sanctions pressure — primarily against Russian oil and gas.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the “ruthless” attack and vowed an “appropriate response.” He recently turned down an invitation from Putin for direct talks in Moscow, suggesting instead that the Russian leader travel to Kyiv.
“He wanted very much to meet with President Trump, with the President of the United States,” Zelensky told ABC News’ This Week, reflecting on the Alaska summit. “And I think that … Putin got it. And, it’s a pity. Putin doesn’t want to meet with me, but he wants very much to meet with the President of the United States, to show everybody video and images that he is there.”
Trump, who had remained relatively quiet about Russia’s latest attacks before Sunday, offered only brief comments before boarding his flight to New York.
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