Trump reports discussion with Putin, no agreement on immediate ceasefire in Ukraine conflict.
Here's a fresh take on that:
Trump-Putin Phone Call: Latest Developments and Potential Outcomes
After their conversation, US President Donald Trump declared that an immediate resolution to the ongoing Ukraine conflict isn't imminent. Trump—who had previously labeled Putin as "crazy"—shared this sentiment on his Truth Social platform post-call. The one-hour-plus chat between the two leaders primarily focused on recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian military aircraft and other escalations.
Putin made it crystal clear to Trump that he had to take action in response to the Ukrainian strikes.
A Surprising offensive: Strikes against Russian military airfields
Following months of meticulous planning, the Ukrainian intelligence service launched a comprehensive assault against several Russian military airfields. According to the SBU, over 40 aircraft worth an estimated seven billion dollars were destroyed in the raids, including one in Irkutsk, Siberia. These numbers suggest Russia has lost 34% of its strategic bomber fleet capable of launching cruise missiles.
Russian military officials acknowledged the "terrorist attacks," confirming damages to aircraft in Murmansk and Irkutsk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy celebrated the operation as a "staggering success" and considered it the most impactful event of the war thus far.
Trump advocates for an immediate end to hostilities: Diplomatic endeavors with Russia and Ukraine
Recent discussions between Ukraine and Russia, mediated by the US, aimed at resolving the conflict have yet to result in any significant progress towards peace. Despite Trump's continuous pleas for an immediate ceasefire, his calls have yet to resonate.
Trump and Putin last spoke in mid-May. Trump has suggested a face-to-face meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, even offering his assistance as a mediator. This proposal has not yet materialized.
Potential New US Sanctions Against Russia: Senate-led Legislation
New sanctions against Russia are currently under discussion, with a corresponding legislative package drafted by a bipartisan team of senators. The proposal includes tough tariffs against countries that continue to import Russian oil, gas, or other energy products. A large majority in the Senate supports the bill, although it remains uncertain when it will be presented to the House of Representatives.
The legislation could substantially increase economic pressure on Russia by restricting its access to international financial systems and reducing its revenue from energy exports, should it be enacted.
Trump-Putin Discussion: Iran's nuclear program also addressed
According to Trump, he and Putin discussed Iran's controversial nuclear program during their phone call. Trump asserted that they both agreed on the principle that Iran should not possess nuclear weapons, with Trump believing that time is running out for Iran to make a decision on this matter. Putin reportedly expressed interest in participating in talks about Iran's nuclear program and potentially facilitating a swift resolution.
Enrichment Data:
The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025: A Closer Look
The proposed new US sanctions against Russia are part of the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 (S.1241/H.R.2548), currently under consideration in both the Senate and the House. This legislation seeks to boost economic pressure on Russia over its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Key Provisions:
- Targeted Sanctions: The bill targets the Russian government, financial institutions, and foreign entities supporting Russia's military or undermining Ukraine.
- Trigger Mechanisms: Sanctions would be imposed if Russia refuses to participate in good faith negotiations for a lasting peace or violates a negotiated peace agreement, initiates another invasion, or attempts to subvert the Ukrainian government.
- Tariffs: A 500% tariff would be applied to goods imported from countries that knowingly purchase Russian oil, gas, uranium, or other products.
Support in the Senate and House:
- Senate Support: The bipartisan bill has garnered over 80 cosponsors in the Senate, surpassing the necessary threshold to overcome a filibuster and potentially override a veto.
- House Support: While specific figures of cosponsors are not reported for the House, the legislation is part of a broader effort across both chambers to ratchet up sanctions pressure on Russia.
Potential Impact:
- Economic Pressure: The sanctions could significantly increase economic pressure on Russia by limiting its access to international financial systems and reducing its revenue from energy exports.
- International Cooperation: The proposed tariffs aim to discourage countries like China from supporting Russia by buying its oil and other products, potentially further isolating Russia economically should the measure be successful.
The war-and-conflicts between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate, as evident in the Ukrainian attacks on Russian military airfields, resulting in significant losses for the Russian strategic bomber fleet. The ongoing Ukraine conflict remains unresolved, as US President Donald Trump has declared that an immediate resolution isn't imminent despite conversations with Russian President Putin.
Politics and general news have been buzzing about potential new US sanctions against Russia, led by a bipartisan team of senators. These sanctions, part of the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, aim to boost economic pressure on Russia over its actions in Ukraine, if it refuses to participate in good faith negotiations or violates a negotiated peace agreement.
