Former US Ambassador: Putin has already given Trump every reason for tough pressure and sanctions

Photo: Unian

As US President Donald Trump tries to find an approach to Russian leader Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, Moscow has already created all the grounds for applying harsh pressure.

This was stated by former US Ambassador to Ukraine (2006-2009) William Taylor in an interview with Ukrinform.

“Putin has given President Trump every reason to impose sanctions,” the US diplomat stressed.

According to him, Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy agreed to an unconditional ceasefire for 30 days in the air, on land and at sea. However, when Trump presented this initiative to Putin, he refused: “no”.

“So, Putin is clearly a problem. I think President Trump will recognise that and take some steps to put pressure on Putin and get him to the table,” Taylor said.

He also denied the idea that the US administration wants to distance itself from the Ukrainian issue. According to the former ambassador, it all depends on Trump’s own position.

“He wants to win, he wants to be a winner. And to win, he has to act decisively, to put pressure on Putin to agree to negotiations. It will be a victory, and I believe he will achieve it,” Taylor concluded.

NEWS