Donald Trump has threatened Vladimir Putin with 'further sanctions' as the president continues to push for a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Trump said he would end the war in Ukraine within his first 24 hours back in office during the election campaign, but it's been a lot more complicated than that.
Amid a tense bust-up between Trump and Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, the US even temporarily withdrew military aid to the war-torn country.
However, Trump has previously expressed his anger at Putin for comments made about Ukraine, and the 47th POTUS has now stated he will place 'further sanctions' on Russia as he continues to work on an agreement with the two nations for a ceasefire.
Taking to Truth Social, Trump wrote: "Talks with Russia/Ukraine continue. The U.S. calls for, ideally, a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. Hopefully, an acceptable ceasefire will be observed, and both Countries will be held accountable for respecting the sanctity of these direct negotiations.
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"If the ceasefire is not respected, the U.S. and its partners will impose further sanctions. Thousands of young soldiers are dying on a weekly basis, and everybody should want it to STOP.
"I do, and the United States of America does, also."
Trump continued: "As President, I will stay committed to securing Peace between Russia and Ukraine, together with the Europeans, and a Lasting Peace it will be!
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"This ceasefire must ultimately build toward a Peace Agreement. It can all be done very quickly, and I will be available on a moment’s notice if my services are needed. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
Late last month, Russia declared a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine from 8-11 May, amid the nation's Victory Day celebrations led by Putin.
The Russian leader previously said the Kremlin would be issuing an appropriate response to any 'violations' if Ukraine doesn't follow the ceasefire.
Ukraine rejected the ceasefire as a 'theatrical show', with the country's military saying thousands of attacks have taken place in Ukraine since the ceasefire came into force on Thursday (May 8).
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In an address published on his Twitter page overnight, President Zelenskyy said: "Ukraine is ready for a full ceasefire starting right now, from this very moment — a 30-day silence.
"But it must be real. No missile or drone strikes, no hundreds of assaults on the front. The Russians must respond appropriately – by supporting the ceasefire. They must prove their willingness to end the war.
"This isn’t the first time, we are offering this once again. Thirty days that could become the beginning of years of peace. A ceasefire, lasting and reliable, will be a real indicator of movement toward peace."
Topics: Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Ukraine, World News, Russia
Callum Jones