U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he is not satisfied with Russian President Vladimir Putin's efforts to achieve peace in the Russia-Ukraine war.
During a special television program, the U.S. President responded to a host's question about whether his patience with Putin was wearing thin. While noting that he has had a good relationship with Putin for a long time, Trump emphasized his disappointment that the Russian leader has not been able to end the war, saying, "Yes, my patience is running out. And it is running out very quickly."
"EUROPE'S PROBLEM"
Addressing the sanctions imposed on Russia, the U.S. President said, "We will have to act in a very, very tough way." Trump indicated that sanctions could be applied to banks and the oil sector, as well as through customs tariffs, but added that European countries must also participate in these measures.
The U.S. President recalled the 50 percent additional customs tariffs that India, one of Russia's largest oil buyers, imposed on products imported into the U.S. in recent months, stating, "I have already done this, I have done many things. This is not easy. It is a very big issue and it is causing a rift between us and India." The U.S. President also remarked, "I would like you to remember that this is more of a European problem than it is our problem."
PEACE TALKS SUSPENDED
Trump's statement came after Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced today that peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have been suspended. In response to reporters' questions regarding the negotiations, Peskov said, "Communication channels exist and are functioning. Our negotiators have the opportunity to communicate through these channels. However, it is probably more accurate to say that there is a pause for now." The Kremlin spokesperson also claimed that Europe is undermining the peace process, stating, "The Russian side is ready to follow the path of peaceful dialogue. However, it is a fact that Europeans are preventing this. This is not a secret that anyone is unaware of."
News Source: İHA
