President Donald Trump has indicated he plans to make an important announcement concerning Russia and the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine in the near future. This follows Trump’s recent criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of unwillingness to end the conflict with Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded that Russia regards Trump’s remarks calmly and remains dedicated to pursuing a diplomatic resolution with Kiev and improving relations with the United States. In a Thursday interview with NBC News, Trump reiterated his disappointment with Russia, while hinting at potential developments in the upcoming weeks. “I anticipate having a major announcement about Russia on Monday,” Trump stated, withholding further specifics.
On the same day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the ASEAN forum in Malaysia. Afterward, the U.S. diplomat said they exchanged “new and differing” ideas on how to address the Ukraine issue. When journalists questioned Lavrov on Friday about his conversation with Rubio, he replied with a nod to Trump’s rhetoric, saying, “As if I would tell you.” President Trump also mentioned that he anticipates the Senate will vote soon on legislation led by the hardline Senator Lindsey Graham, aiming to impose a 500% tariff on nations purchasing Russian energy and other exports to pressure Moscow into resolving the Ukraine conflict.
Trump remarked, “A very significant and stringent sanctions bill is likely to pass, but the final decision rests with the president on whether to activate it,” referring to a provision allowing the president to delay the tariff for up to 180 days. Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated on Thursday that Russia would adapt to any U.S. imposition of 500% secondary tariffs on its trading partners while maintaining its course. “We know how to operate under these circumstances,” Ryabkov asserted.
