Photo: President of Finland Alexander Stubb. AP
US President Donald Trump is taking a tough stance against Russia and does not tolerate any delay on the issue of a ceasefire in Ukraine. This was stated by Finnish President Alexander Stubb after a meeting with the head of the White House, the Finnish newspaper Yle reported on Sunday, 30 March.
“Trump is very impatient with Russia’s actions, with this agreement and the delay in the ceasefire. I tried to explain that this is completely normal Russian behaviour. First you agree on something, and then you have conditions again,” Stubb said.
According to him, the United States is already developing new sanctions against Russia in case Moscow refuses to cease fire or violates the ceasefire, which is currently being worked on by international mediators.
The beginning of the truce may be announced on 20 April
The President of Finland stressed that Finland considers 20 April to be the optimal date for the start of a full ceasefire without any additional conditions. According to him, this makes it possible to prepare for the implementation of the first stage of the peace initiative – the cessation of hostilities and the exchange of prisoners.
Trump: “I’m angry with Putin”
Earlier, Donald Trump said that he was “very angry” and “furious ” over recent statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who suggested a change in Ukraine’s leadership and questioned the legitimacy of Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In response, Trump threatened to impose “secondary sanctions” against Russian oil if he believes that Russia is responsible for the failure of the peace agreements. According to him, such sanctions would include a 25-50% duty on the purchase of Russian oil and gas, as well as restrictions on companies that continue to cooperate with Russia.
⸻
Context:
The US under Trump’s leadership is actively promoting a new peace initiative, which includes a 30-day cessation of attacks on critical infrastructure, a truce in the Black Sea, and negotiations on a long-term ceasefire. While Ukraine has reiterated its readiness for dialogue, Russia is putting forward new demands, including the lifting of sanctions on financial institutions.
Washington’s harsh reaction and Trump’s personal irritation may mean that new sanctions will be imposed as early as April if the peace plan fails.
