Potential sanctions against Russia and increased military aid to Ukraine discussed by former U.S. President
Former U.S. President
Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he may impose sanctions on Russia if President Vladimir Putin does not engage in negotiations to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Reuters reported.
Details on the potential sanctions were not disclosed, but such measures would align with the existing sanctions policy of current President
Joe Biden's administration.
Since the conflict began, the Biden administration has implemented numerous punitive measures against the Kremlin.
Trump also commented on the provision of military assistance to Ukraine, indicating that his administration would review this support.
He emphasized that the European Union should increase its support for Ukraine.
Additionally, Trump mentioned ongoing discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and plans to engage in talks with President Putin soon.
Furthermore, he urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to contribute to halting the conflict in Ukraine.
According to Italian publication Repubblica, Trump's administration is reportedly developing a proposal for Ukraine that involves freezing the front lines without recognizing territories occupied by Russia.
The proposal suggests initiating negotiations for a long-term resolution.
Specific ideas reportedly include territorial exchanges, such as the exchange of territories occupied by Ukraine in the Kursk region for the Zaporizhzhia area occupied by Russia, which contains the Enerhodar nuclear power plant, a significant security risk as it remains unused.
Repubblica also highlighted that Ukraine's potential NATO membership would not be a topic of discussion.
The proposal would reportedly offer a delay of 20 years regarding the membership issue, balancing Putin's opposition to Ukraine joining NATO and avoiding granting a perceived victory to Russia.
Should Putin reject negotiations or set unacceptable conditions, the U.S. may facilitate easier credit options for Ukraine to procure American weapons.
These transactions would reportedly occur without Washington's intervention in the deployment and use of these weapons.
In a separate statement on Tuesday, Trump warned that if Putin refuses to reach an agreement to end the conflict in Ukraine, it could result in significant detriment to Russia's future.