Trump Threatens “Different” Action Against Putin Over Ukraine Airstrikes, Hints at Sanctions

US President Questions Putin’s Intentions, Following Meeting with Zelensky at Vatican

Washington, April 26, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)

United States President Donald Trump has escalated his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing growing frustration over recent Russian airstrikes in Ukraine and threatening to pursue “different” measures, including potential “banking” and “secondary” sanctions.   

President Trump, who has previously touted his personal rapport with President Putin as a key factor in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, now openly questioned whether Putin was “tapping him along,” suggesting a possible deception or lack of genuine intent to end the war.   

This shift in rhetoric comes just days after President Trump publicly called on Putin to halt the bombings in Ukraine via a post on Truth Social, where he simply wrote, “Vladimir, Stop.”   

“There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days,” President Trump stated on Truth Social. “It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through ‘Banking’ or ‘Secondary Sanctions’? Too many people are dying!!!”

The President’s comments followed a significant meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Vatican, held prior to Pope Francis’s funeral on Saturday.   

While details of their private discussion remain undisclosed, a White House spokesperson described the meeting as “very productive.”

President Zelensky, in a social media post, conveyed optimism, stating, “Good meeting. One-on-one, we managed to discuss a lot. We hope for a result from all the things that were spoken about.” He further emphasized their focus on “the protection of the lives of our people,” “a complete and unconditional ceasefire,” and “a reliable and lasting peace that will prevent a recurrence of war.”   

President Zelensky also characterized the meeting as “very symbolic” with “the potential to become historic if we achieve joint results,” concluding with a direct expression of gratitude to President Trump.  

Adding another layer to the complex diplomatic situation, Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s Special Envoy, held a meeting with President Putin in Moscow on Friday.