Trump’s Ultimatum: Peace in Ukraine or More Sanctions on Russia

President Donald Trump is employing a carrot-and-stick approach in his bid to end the war in Ukraine, offering a path to peace through a summit while implicitly threatening more sanctions if Russia does not cooperate. This dual strategy underpins the U.S. effort to arrange a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The “carrot” is the U.S.-brokered summit. The White House claims Putin has agreed to meet Zelenskyy within two weeks to negotiate an end to the conflict. Trump has expressed optimism, suggesting that “Putin is tired of it” and a deal is possible. This represents a diplomatic off-ramp for Moscow.
The “stick” is the ever-present threat of further economic pressure. Trump has previously warned of more sanctions on Russia and any nation purchasing its oil if Putin fails to make peace. This threat looms over the current negotiations, adding a layer of urgency and consequence to the diplomatic maneuvering.
As this strategy plays out, the key players are preparing. Zelenskyy is ready to talk territory with Putin. Allies are discussing security guarantees. And Trump has defined the limits of U.S. military help, ruling out ground troops but keeping the possibility of air support in play, making his administration’s position multifaceted.