Potential New Measures Against Russia if Conflict Persists, Officials Say
The current US administration has developed additional measures that could impact crucial sectors of Russia’s economy if Vladimir Putin does not move swiftly to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, sources informed the Reuters news agency. While it remains uncertain whether these steps will be implemented, discussions include potential actions against Russia’s financial institutions and the systems required for exporting oil, according to a US official and another individual with knowledge of the matter.
On Wednesday, sanctions were imposed on Russia for the first time since the administration resumed office in January.
The US leader stated on Saturday that he would not arrange any discussions with Putin unless there was clear intent from Moscow to negotiate an end to the war. “I need to be sure that an agreement is possible. Otherwise, there’s no point in meeting,” he told reporters while traveling to Asia. “I’ve had a good relationship with Vladimir Putin, but this situation is deeply disappointing,” he added. “I expected this to be resolved before the Middle East saw peace.”
Meanwhile, in Kyiv, officials reported that a ballistic missile strike early on Saturday resulted in two fatalities and 13 injuries. A fire erupted in a commercial building at one location, while debris from downed missiles landed in an open area elsewhere, shattering windows in adjacent structures, according to a post by Ukraine’s emergency response team on Telegram.
Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasized on Saturday that the recent assaults underscore the urgent need for advanced defense systems. “These attacks highlight why we prioritize securing Patriot systems—so our cities can be shielded from such devastation. It is essential that nations with the necessary resources act on our recent discussions,” he wrote in English on X. “The US, Europe, and G7 members have the ability to help prevent further loss of life.”
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