Trump Signals Readiness to Ramp Up Sanctions on Russia Amid Ukraine War'

Washington, D.C. – September 8, 2025 President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States may soon enter a new phase of sanctions against Russia, in what could be a significant escalation of pressure over the ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking briefly to reporters at the White House on Sunday (September 7), President Trump was asked whether he was prepared to move to “phase two” of sanctions targeting Moscow. “Yeah, I am,” Trump responded — his strongest indication yet that further action could be imminent. However, he declined to provide any details on what the next phase might include. This marks a shift in tone from the administration, which has so far held back from launching a broader sanctions package as President Trump pursued direct peace negotiations with Russia. Frustration Over Lack of Progress in Ukraine Since taking office in January 2025, President Trump has repeatedly claimed he could quickly end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. However, with fighting still ongoing and diplomatic breakthroughs elusive, Trump appears increasingly frustrated with the slow pace of resolution. During remarks last Wednesday (September 3), he defended the measures his administration has already taken, pointing to recent tariffs imposed on India — a major buyer of Russian oil — as part of a broader strategy to cut off Russia's energy revenues. “That cost Russia hundreds of billions of dollars,” Trump said. “You call that no action? And I haven’t even done phase two yet — or phase three.” U.S. Eyes Secondary Sanctions on Russian Oil Buyers Further details emerged Sunday when Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed that the U.S., in coordination with the European Union, is considering imposing secondary tariffs on countries that continue to import Russian oil. Such a move would mark a dramatic escalation and could significantly tighten the financial noose around Russia’s economy. “The goal is to push the Russian economy to the brink of collapse and force President Putin to come to the negotiating table,” Bessent said. India and China in the Crosshairs? India and China are among the largest buyers of Russian energy exports, and new sanctions could put them under direct economic pressure. While Western countries have sharply reduced their purchases from Russia in response to the war, other nations have filled the gap, helping to keep Russian oil revenues flowing. India has already faced tariffs from the U.S. over its continued trade with Russia, and analysts believe China could be next in line if Washington moves forward with secondary sanctions. What’s Next? As of now, the White House has not released any official details on what “phase two” of the sanctions plan might include, nor has it confirmed a timeline for the next steps. Still, Trump’s remarks suggest that his administration is preparing for a more aggressive posture toward Moscow as diplomatic options appear to narrow. Whether this pressure will succeed in bringing an end to the war in Ukraine remains to be seen — but the stakes are clearly rising.

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