Trump: Putin Is a Professional, But More Sanctions May Come if War Continues

Russian President Vladimir Putin is a seasoned leader who has learned how to deal with Western sanctions—but he also understands that harsher measures may follow if the war in Ukraine does not come to an end. U.S. President Donald Trump made these remarks on Friday while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One.

Trump and Putin recently held a phone conversation, during which they discussed the possibility of new sanctions.

“I would say he’s not happy about the sanctions, but he has learned to handle them,” Trump told reporters.

He added, “Putin knows very well that the U.S. can apply more pressure if it wants to. But he’s a professional—he knows what could happen.”

Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov confirmed that the phone call included discussions on the Ukraine conflict, instability in the Middle East, and U.S.-Russia cooperation.

Ushakov noted that President Trump expressed concern about ending the war. However, Moscow reiterated that while it is open to a political solution, it will not back down from its goals. The Kremlin believes that unless the root causes are addressed, the conflict cannot be resolved.

Later, President Trump stated, “I’m disappointed by the lack of progress toward a peaceful resolution.”