Donald Trump last night threatened to devastate the Russian economy – if the Kremlin does not sign a ceasefire deal with Ukraine.
The US President’s astonishing threat can be seen on the Mirror in full today following his address in the Oval Office on Wednesday. He said: “I can do things financially that would be very bad for Russia. It would be devastating for Russia. But I don’t want to do that because I want to see peace.”
It comes amid hope in Europe a pause in the fighting could come in the next 24 hours. US officials are in Russia to discuss the potential 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine, it is understood.
Vladimir Putin is yet to respond to Mr Trump’s fresh pressure. However, the US leader added: “Hopefully we can get a ceasefire from Russia. I’ve gotten some positive messages, but a positive message means nothing. This is a very serious situation.” He added that the conflict “could start World War Three”.
Mr Trump, 78, met Micheál Martin, the Irish prime minister, on Wednesday. Meanwhile, defence ministers from Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Poland gathered at the Val-de-Grace chapel in Paris to discuss accelerating European security and plans for a “reassurance force” inside Ukraine in the event of a peace deal.
Sébastian Lecornu, the French foreign minister, said: “We are hoping to see a ceasefire tomorrow.” John Healey, the UK defence secretary, said: “I say to President Putin, over to you now. You said you want to talk, prove it. Accept the ceasefire, start negotiations and end the war. Make no mistake, the pressure is now on Putin.”
Although he is yet to comment on the developments, Mr Putin, 72, appeared in uniform on Tuesday as he visited a command point for Russian troops involved in the counteroffensive in the Kursk region. Fighting has intensified in the area over recent days after months of Ukrainian forces successfully holding Russian territory.
US arms deliveries to Ukraine finally resumed on Wednesday. Following nine-hour talks in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, the White House agreed to lift its suspension on military aid for Kyiv in its fight against Russia’s invasion, and also removed restrictions on sharing intelligence put in place last week.
When Mr Trump met the Irish Taoiseach, he accused Ireland of ripping off the United States. Awkward scenes unfolded in the White House when the outspoken US President spoke of a “massive” trade imbalance between the two countries and accused the Irish Government of drawing US pharmaceutical companies away through attractive tax rates.
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