Trump exhibits a feline-like agility - potentially transitioning into a role as Putin's personal aide
The White House has issued an ultimatum to Russia, with the deadline expiring on Friday. The exact plan to monitor decisions regarding Russia's shadow fleet remains unclear.
The ultimatum comes in response to Russia's actions in Ukraine and Trump's hope is that he does not get lulled by Putin and announces harsh sanctions. If the ultimatum expires without a ceasefire, the consequences could be significant.
Massive economic penalties on Russia, including tariffs up to 500% on Russian imports such as oil and gas, could be imposed. These sanctions could also extend to secondary tariffs—trade penalties imposed on countries like China and India that continue doing business with Russia—potentially reaching about 100% tariffs on their exports to the U.S.
The economic strain on Russia would be severe. The sharp increase in tariffs would target Russia’s key exports, pressuring Moscow to de-escalate the conflict in Ukraine. Secondary tariffs on nations like China and India, which purchase a significant share of Russian oil, might disrupt global trade flows and could lead to increased costs for American consumers since both countries export extensively to the U.S.
Diplomatic tensions could also heighten, not only between the U.S. and Russia but also with allied nations trading with Moscow, complicating international relations.
Trump's recent reactions show that he is flexible and changes positions when necessary, as he has already proven with his strike against Iran. However, it is unclear if Trump's position on ending the war in Ukraine within 24 hours still stands.
Meanwhile, both Trump and former Russian President Dmitri Medvedev are known for their aggressive rhetoric, particularly on social media. Medvedev has been making threats, such as the possibility of a nuclear or conventional third world war, and has insulted critics of Russia's imperial war strategy.
Putin, on the other hand, is skilled at making Trump feel like his equal, but Putin is more cunning and has been waging war for three years, while Trump is against war. Putin's propaganda claims that Russia is only defending itself against the West and won't take orders from the Americans.
It is slowly becoming clear to Trump that Putin wants the destruction of Ukraine as a state and its return to Russia. The outcome of Trump's actions will become clear on Friday, indicating whether a lasting peace is still possible.
[1] Source for economic penalties on Russia: [Link to Source] [2] Source for secondary tariffs: [Link to Source] [3] Source for Trump's framing of sanctions as a final deadline: [Link to Source]
- Given the ongoing political tensions, the European Union has a responsibility to ensure that the EU's external relations with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, particularly those bordering Ukraine, remain stable during war-and-conflicts, as the consequences of instability could extend beyond the immediate region and affect general-news.
- As the deadline for the White House's ultimatum to Russia approaches, the subsequent actions of both countries could significantly impact international politics, raising concerns about potential escalation of war-and-conflicts, which the European Union should carefully monitor.
