Trump Warns Russia: "Disgusting... 8 Days Left Before Sanctions"

"Witkoff to Visit Russia After Israel, Says Trump"

U.S. President Donald Trump strongly condemned Russia for launching large-scale airstrikes on Ukraine despite tariff pressure, threatening to impose sanctions.

On the 31st (local time), during an executive order signing ceremony at the White House, President Trump responded to questions from reporters by pointing out that due to the war in Ukraine, 7,000 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers are dying each week, and that Russian President Vladimir Putin is attacking cities and towns with rockets, resulting in civilian casualties.

Donald Trump, President of the United States. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

He went on to sharply criticize, saying, "What Russia is doing is disgusting," and "It is a disgraceful act."

Previously, on the 14th, President Trump warned Russia that unless peace is achieved within '50 days', he would impose secondary tariffs of about 100% not only on Russia but also on countries trading with Russia. Then, on the 29th, he reduced this period to '10 days', resetting the ceasefire deadline to August 8 and further increasing pressure on Russia.

On this day, President Trump said, "There are about 8 days left. We will impose sanctions," pressuring Russia to reach an end-of-war agreement. However, referring to President Vladimir Putin, he added, "I don't know if the sanctions will make him uncomfortable."

There is a possibility that sanctions against Russia could be implemented in the form of imposing secondary tariffs on countries purchasing Russian crude oil. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant, at a press conference following the third U.S.-China trade talks on the 29th, mentioned the possibility of the U.S. Congress passing a bill to impose tariffs of up to 500% on countries buying Russian crude oil, issuing a warning to China.

In addition, President Trump stated that Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East who is currently visiting Israel, will visit Russia. Although Special Envoy Witkoff is responsible for the Middle East, he has also been involved in mediation efforts to end the war in Ukraine. During Trump's second administration, he visited Russia several times and met with President Putin.