"It's only going to get worse": Trump urges Russia to strike "deal" to end war

US President Donald Trump has called on Russia to make a "deal" to end the war in Ukraine, warning of intensified sanctions and tariffs against Moscow if no agreement is reached.

Trump stated on his social media platform Truth Social that he "is not looking to harm Russia", expressed his love for the Russian people, and highlighted his "very good relationship with Putin". He also recalled how "Russia helped us win WWII, losing almost 60 million lives in the process".

"All of that being said, I am going to do Russia, whose economy is failing, and Putin a very big FAVOUR. Settle now and STOP this ridiculous War! IT’S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE," the statement reads.

Trump warned that if a "deal" to end the war is not reached "soon", he would have "no other choice but to put high levels of taxes, tariffs, and sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States and various other participating countries".

"Let’s get this war, which never would have started if I were president, over with! We can do it the easy way or the hard way – and the easy way is always better. It’s time to ‘MAKE A DEAL’. NO MORE LIVES SHOULD BE LOST!!!" he added.

On his first day as president, Donald Trump stated that Vladimir Putin is destroying Russia by continuing the war.

Later, Trump indicated he was prepared to consider stronger sanctions against Russia if it refuses to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.

Putin, in congratulating Trump on assuming the presidency, expressed readiness for dialogue concerning the war he initiated against Ukraine.