Trump is doubling down.
President Donald Trump announced Sunday that Republicans in Congress are preparing a powerful new sanctions package aimed at any nation continuing to do business with Russia. The move signals a major escalation in America’s pressure campaign as Moscow intensifies its war in Ukraine.
Trump, who has positioned himself as a deal-maker determined to end global conflicts, said the legislation has his full support.
Trump told reporters, “From what I’m hearing, they’re already moving on it, and I’m fine with that. Any nation doing business with Russia will face very strong sanctions. They might even include Iran — that was my recommendation.”
Trump Shifts Strategy After Peace Talks Stall
For months, Trump held back on new penalties while attempting diplomatic outreach to Vladimir Putin. But with Russia refusing to negotiate and instead expanding its attacks, the White House signaled it is prepared to take a tougher stance.
Both Ukraine and major European allies have called on Trump to increase economic pressure, arguing it is the only language Moscow respects.
Last month, Trump approved sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies — Rosneft and Lukoil — after acknowledging that peace talks were “going nowhere.”
Sanctions Could Hit China, Europe, and U.S. Allies
The new Republican-led proposal would have sweeping consequences across the global economy. Russia’s biggest energy customers include:
- China – the top buyer of Russian coal and crude
- Turkey – a major importer of Russian oil products
- The European Union – heavily dependent on Russian LNG and pipeline gas
Other U.S. allies also purchase smaller amounts of Russian energy, including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Brazil.
Many nations also trade agricultural goods with Russia or purchase Russian-made weapons. Those buyers include India, Vietnam, Algeria, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Myanmar, and Iran. North Korea and Iran have even supplied weapons directly to Moscow.
If Trump and Republicans push the sanctions through, all these countries could face major consequences.
Russia and China Lash Out at Trump’s Plan
Kremlin official Dmitry Medvedev responded angrily, claiming Trump’s harder line proves the U.S. is now Russia’s “enemy.” Medvedev accused Trump of choosing confrontation over cooperation.
China also criticized the move. Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said sanctions are “coercion and pressure,” insisting that negotiation—not punishment—is the proper path.
The backlash highlights how significant the new sanctions could be—and how much global power is at stake.
Timeline Unclear, But Pressure Is Building
Trump did not give a date for when Congress will finalize the sanctions bill, but Republican lawmakers are expected to move quickly. With Russia’s economy already under strain, additional penalties could dramatically reshape its ability to finance the war.
For many conservatives, Trump’s approach signals a return to peace through strength—combining diplomacy with the economic power only the United States can wield.
As the world watches, the next steps from Congress could determine the direction of the conflict—and America’s role in stopping it.