FROM NY POST: President Trump on Sunday declared he is ready to move ahead with a new round of sanctions against Russia after it pummeled Ukraine with its largest air strike since the war began.
Before his summit with Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin last month in Alaska, Trump had threatened to impose a suite of blistering fresh sanctions and tariffs targeting countries that import Russian oil.
Trump, asked by reporters whether he is ready to move to the “second stage” of sanctions against Russia, replied yes.
Speaking from the White House lawn ahead of his departure to the US Open in New York City later Sunday, the president did not specify what he envisions as the “second stage” of sanctions against Russia.
The next phase of Trump’s plan is intended to damage a revenue source critical to Russia as it has kept the economy alive amid Western sanctions.
Although Trump was initially optimistic about reaching a peaceful arrangement after his meeting Putin last month, Russia has continued to strike Ukraine.
On Sunday, Russia launched a massive attack with at least 810 drones and decoys, targeting Ukraine’s central government building in Kyiv for the first time.
While Ukraine intercepted over 745 of the drones and four missiles, the attack killed at least four people and injured 44.
“[Sunday’s] barbaric attack proved we have to do whatever it takes to stop Russian war machine fueled by oil and gas revenue,’’ Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said, according to 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.”
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