Trump floats more difficult Russia sanctions, meets Zelenskyy for first time since Oval Office blowup

U.S. President Donald Trump floated the potential for more potent sanctions on Moscow in a long social media submit on Saturday by which he publicly puzzled whether or not Russian President Vladimir Putin needs to “stop the war.”

His submit got here simply after Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met in Rome for his or her first in-person assembly since their surprising conflict within the Oval Office that devolved right into a shouting fit. They met simply earlier than the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome.

After their assembly, Trump wrote on Truth Social: “There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days.”

“It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through “Banking” or “Secondary Sanctions?” Too many people are dying!!!” Trump stated.

The White House stated that Trump and Zelenskyy “had a very productive discussion,” however didn’t come with further main points on what used to be mentioned.

Zelensky stated that it used to be a “good meeting,” including: “Very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results.”

Trump’s remarks come as he is increasing drive for the 2 nations to strike a peace deal. Earlier this week, Trump offered the 2 nations with an be offering to finish the struggle. The deal reportedly incorporated, partially, reputation of Crimea below Russian regulate, which Zelenskyy has again and again stated is a purple line.

In his Truth Social submit on Saturday, Trump stated Russia stole Crimea from Ukraine, an extraordinary acknowledgement from the U.S. president that Russia illegally annexed the area.

Trump took goal at former U.S. President Barack Obama and instructed that he “made it possible for Russia to steal Crimea from Ukraine without even a shot being fired.”

Trump advised TIME previous this month that “Crimea will stay with Russia,” including: “Zelenskyy understands that, and everybody understands that it’s been with them for a long time. It’s been with them long before Trump came along.”

After his feedback, Zelenskyy reiterated that Crimea belongs to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Trump stated Friday that Russia and Ukraine are “very close to a deal, and the two sides should now meet, at very high levels, to ‘finish it off.’ “

He wrote on Truth Social that “most of the major points are agreed to.”