Trump’s Uncertainty Over Sanctions Effectiveness Sparks Dubiousness in Global Politics
Former U.S.
President Donald Trump has recently cast doubts on the efficacy of economic sanctions against Russia in response to its military actions in Ukraine.
Just a day after threatening Russia with comprehensive sanctions and trade restrictions, Trump began expressing reservations about their potential impact.
During an interview aboard Air Force One, he hinted that while the United States could impose tariffs and other measures within days, there remains uncertainty whether these actions would sway Russia’s behavior.
"I’m not sure if it will stop Putin or make him change course because he clearly aims to continue the war.
However, applying tariffs and other measures might have an impact, though not guaranteed," Trump stated, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
While the ex-president tries to portray a firm stance on sanctions, analysts suggest that his recent statements indicate a high level of skepticism about their real effectiveness.
Despite concerns about the possible futility of new threats, other factors remain in play.
Experts warn that announcing additional trade restrictions targeting countries that purchase Russian oil could trigger a new escalation in global trade tensions, involving major players such as China, India, and Turkey.
Considering that Moscow has already taken steps to shield itself from new sanctions through partial economic restructuring and countermeasures, analysts believe Trump still has several leverage points.
These include targeting specific sectors of the Russian banking system, restricting oil prices, and leveraging diplomatic influence to negotiate new deals with European allies.
Evelyn Farkas, a former deputy assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia, notes that Trump still holds many 'trumps,' including Senate bills proposing at least 500% sanctions on imports from Russia or any country purchasing Russian uranium or petroleum products.
Meanwhile, international discussions are ongoing about potential new sanctions against Ukraine and the possibility that such measures might escalate tensions and complicate diplomatic efforts.
In response, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has already reacted to Trump’s ultimatums, officially stating that Moscow views these threats as symbolic and not worth considering in their strategic decisions.
He emphasized that the war in Ukraine will continue regardless of U.S.
pressure, illustrating Russia’s indifference toward external threats and asserting that the conflict persists independently of U.S.
diplomatic maneuvers.