Latest news with #Ukraine-russia
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Massive Russia sanctions package stalls as Trump pushes for Ukraine peace talks
Senators are growing antsy to move ahead with a massive sanctions package against Russia, and the only thing standing in the way is President Donald Trump. In the midst of the extremely partisan budget reconciliation process, nearly the entire upper chamber has coalesced behind the sanctions package from Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., which would slap up to 500% "bone-breaking" tariffs on countries buying energy products from Moscow. Ukraine-russia Peace Talks Yield No Ceasefire, Zelenskyy Warns Putin Should Not Be 'Rewarded' The measure is designed to place Russia's war machine into a chokehold by imposing duties on oil, gas, uranium and other exports largely purchased by China and India, which account for nearly three-quarters of Moscow's energy business. Trump has pushed for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, which have so far not yielded an end to the three-year conflict, and has begun to sour on Russian President Vladimir Putin's reluctance to find a peaceful end to the ongoing conflict. He recently questioned "what the hell happened" to the Russian leader. The latest round of negotiations in Istanbul, Turkey, ended without a ceasefire, and Putin's recent demands for large chunks of territory in exchange for peace have been nonstarters for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Read On The Fox News App A successful surprise drone attack by Ukraine and fears of a retaliatory strike by Russia have lawmakers growing increasingly anxious to sanction Russia into oblivion, but the president has yet to give Graham — a top ally of Trump's — and Blumenthal's bill his blessing. "If President Trump asked me my opinion, I would tell them, 'let's go now,'" Sen. John Kennedy, R-L.a., one of the 82 co-sponsors of the bill, told Fox News Digital. Us Readies Russia Sanctions Over Ukraine, Unclear If Trump Will Sign, Sources Say And Graham, who traveled to Ukraine with Blumenthal to meet with Zelenskyy during the Senate's Memorial Day recess, wants to see his sanctions levied against Russia by as early as next week when world powers gather in Italy for the upcoming G7 Summit to "deliver an unequivocal message to China." "The theme of this engagement was that we appreciate President Trump's earnest efforts to bring about peace and entice Putin to come to the table," Graham said in a statement after meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. "It is our view Putin is not responding in kind, he is not interested in peace and that he plans to continue to dismember Ukraine." Blumenthal believed that Trump "has been played" by Putin and accused the Russian leader of being "totally unserious" about the negotiations with Ukraine. The lawmaker confirmed to Fox News Digital that he and Graham would hold a briefing for all 100 Senators on the current state of affairs in Ukraine on Wednesday. He said there was "no question" that Trump's input would be significant for the bill's fate, but noted that even House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-L.a., came out in support of levying strict sanctions on Russia, which suggested a bicameral desire to inflict monetary pain on Moscow and its allies. "We have 82 senators, evenly divided, bipartisan, which I think speaks volumes," Blumenthal said. "If it's given a vote, it will pass, and obviously President Trump's views will matter as to whether it's given a vote." Trump Warns Putin Is 'Playing With Fire' After Declaring The Russian President Has 'Gone Absolutely Crazy' Still, Senate Republican leadership is waiting for a green-light from the White House before making any decisions to put the bill on the floor. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., countered on the Brian Kilmeade Show on Fox Radio that his team and the White House were working together to make sure that the sanctions package "from a technical standpoint" hit the mark of what the president wanted to do. "We're trying to give [President Trump] as much space and room as necessary for him to try and negotiate the best possible outcome and get a peaceful solution in Ukraine," Thune said. "And if the sanctions contribute to that, then yeah, we're available and ready to move." Meanwhile, lawmakers don't see the sanctions package as undermining any ongoing efforts from the White House to broker a peace deal. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-S.C., believed that the legislation would instead act as a "real enabler" for the Trump administration. And Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va, similarly believed that the sanctions bill could give Trump a "stronger hand" in negotiations. "These are sanctions that would be very punishing to the Russian economy," he told Fox News Digital. "And we think the president can say, 'Look, this is going to be very serious, but it can be avoided if we reach an accord right now that's a cease fire.'"Original article source: Massive Russia sanctions package stalls as Trump pushes for Ukraine peace talks
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Ukraine targets bridge linking Russia to Crimea with massive underwater blast, video shows
A massive underwater blast targeting a bridge linking Russia to Crimea left it in a "state of emergency" Tuesday, according to the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU). The surprise detonation comes just days after Ukraine carried out "Operation Spider's Web," a series of coordinated drone strikes penetrating deep into Russian territory that is believed to have taken out dozens of Russia's most powerful bomber jets and surveillance planes as they sat idle on five military airfields. "Illegal objects of the Russian Federation have no place on the territory of our state. The Crimean Bridge is therefore an absolutely legitimate target, especially given that the enemy used it as a logistical artery to secure their troops," SBU Lt. Gen. Vasily Malyuk said in a statement. "Crimea is Ukraine, and any manifestations of the occupation will receive our harsh response." The SBU said it detonated around 2,500 pounds of underwater explosives along the Kerch Bridge. Footage showed a blast centered around one of the bridge pillars, followed by people surveying damage on top of the bridge. Ukraine-russia Peace Talks Yield No Ceasefire, Zelenskyy Warns Putin Should Not Be 'Rewarded' Malyuk supervised the operation, which took months of planning, according to the SBU. Read On The Fox News App "The bridge is in a state of emergency," it declared. Ukraine's Surprise Attack Shows It May Take A 'Major Drone Strike' To Change Us Defense Policy, Experts Say Traffic across the Kerch Bridge was delayed for three hours this morning, according to The Associated Press. The bridge reportedly reopened before it closed a second time. The SBU said no civilians were hurt in the blast. "Previously, we struck the Crimean Bridge twice in 2022 and 2023. So today we continued this tradition already underwater," Malyuk said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said Tuesday that Russia launched a "savage strike" on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy, "directly targeting the city and its ordinary streets with rocket artillery. "A rescue operation is currently underway. Many people have been wounded. As of now, three people have been confirmed dead," Zelenskyy said. "My condolences go out to their families and loved ones. All emergency services are engaged to assist everyone affected." Zelenskyy added that one shell was a dud, but it "pierced the wall of an ordinary apartment room on the 9th floor" and "That alone says everything one needs to know about Russia's so-called 'desire' to end this war." Fox News' Jasmine Baehr contributed to this report. Original article source: Ukraine targets bridge linking Russia to Crimea with massive underwater blast, video shows
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump says he could 'walk away' from Russia-Ukraine talks, cites 'tremendous hatred' on both sides
The U.S. could withdraw from peace talks with Ukraine and Russia if the two sides can't make progress toward ending their three-year war, President Donald Trump said. Trump made the comments during an interview on NBC's "Meet the Press" that aired Sunday, telling host Kristen Welker that there is "tremendous hatred" between Ukraine and Russia. The president says he remains hopeful a peace deal is possible, but confirmed that the U.S. would not remain a mediator indefinitely. "I do believe we're closer with one party. And maybe not as close with the other, but we'll have to see," Trump said. "Five thousand soldiers a week on average, are dying. They're not American soldiers. But I want to solve the problem." Zelenskyy Speaks Out After Public Spat With Trump, Vance, Says Dustup 'Bad For Both Sides' "How long do you give both countries before you're going to walk away?" Welker asked. Read On The Fox News App "Well, there will be a time when I will say, okay, keep going, keep being stupid," Trump replied. "Maybe it's not possible to do," he added. "There's tremendous hatred. Just so you understand, Kristen, we're talking tremendous hatred between these two men and between, you know, some of the soldiers, frankly, between the generals, they've been fighting hard for three years. I think we have a very good chance of doing it." The interview comes just days after Trump blasted Russian President Vladimir Putin, questioning whether his Russian counterpart has any interest in peace. Trump Insists Ukraine-russia Peace Deal Is Close, But Mistrust In Putin Leaves Experts Skeptical Trump spoke up on social media last week after Russian forces launched missiles into Ukrainian cities. "There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days," Trump wrote. "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!!!" Secretary of State Marco Rubio also appeared to temper expectations for a major peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia last week. Rubio argued it was "silly" to put a specific date or timeline on when the U.S. might pull out from mediation, but he said this will be "a very critical week." Days later, the White House signed a rare earth minerals agreement with Ukraine, a months-long priority for article source: Trump says he could 'walk away' from Russia-Ukraine talks, cites 'tremendous hatred' on both sides
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
White House reveals possible penalties on Putin amid peace push: ‘Whatever it takes'
The White House on Monday morning revealed that President Donald Trump wants to do "whatever it takes" to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin to the table for peace talks with Ukraine, including slapping Russia with additional sanctions. White House deputy chief of staff James Blair joined "Fox & Friends" to discuss the latest on the Trump administration's effort to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine, including the frustration that Trump is having with both sides. "Obviously, the president feels like we are making progress, but he's been frustrated at both sides, which he's made clear," Blair said. "He said over the weekend that the Ukrainians should have signed the deal with us weeks ago, and he wants them to hurry up and get that done. And Putin, [Trump] is very displeased with the attacks on civilian areas last week, and [Trump's] put on the table increasing sanctions, secondary tariffs on oil, whatever it takes to make sure that they hurry up and get to the table and create peace." Russia launched a deadly missile attack on Kyiv that killed at least 12 people and injured at least 90, including children, on April 24. Trump Insists Ukraine-russia Peace Deal Is Close, But Mistrust In Putin Leaves Experts Skeptical When asked whether Trump was angry at the idea that Putin may be stringing him along, Blair pointed to a statement the president posted on his TRUTH Social platform on Saturday. Read On The Fox News App "Well, look, he put out a statement, I think, two days ago on his TRUTH [Social account], where he said he does not want to be tapped along, he won't accept it." Blair said. "He's displeased, again, with the attacks on civilian areas, and the president said it makes him feel like maybe he doesn't want peace as badly as he says he does. And the president's not going to stand for that. If that means increasing sanctions, he's obviously put that on the table." Blair spoke to Fox News about one hour before the Kremlin announced a three-day ceasefire with Ukraine from May 8 to May 10 to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during World War II. Kyiv did not immediately respond to the announcement. Trump Disappointed Russia Launched Rockets At Ukraine, Blames Obama, Biden For Crimea Giveaway Putin has previously said that he agrees in principle with a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire deal, though has so far refused to accept a complete unconditional ceasefire. Over the weekend, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared to temper expectations for a major peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, telling NBC's "Meet the Press" that while progress has been made, a deal is "still not there." Rubio's Russian counterpart, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, told CBS' "Face the Nation" in a pre-recorded interview that aired Sunday that Russia won't discuss any potential negotiations in public, though emphasized that Russia is "always available for a dialogue."Original article source: White House reveals possible penalties on Putin amid peace push: 'Whatever it takes'
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump disappointed Russia launched rockets at Ukraine, blames Obama, Biden for Crimea giveaway
President Donald Trump said Sunday that he was disappointed with Russia for launching missiles while trying to reach a peace deal between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump spoke with reporters before boarding Air Force One on Sunday evening, where he was asked about everything from the peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, and Iranian peace talks to the suicide of Jeffrey Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre. During the gaggle, the president said his meeting on Saturday with Zelenskyy went very well. "We'll see what happens over the next few days," Trump said. "I was very disappointed that missiles were flying, by Russia…very disappointed." Trump And Zelenskyy Have 'Very Productive' Talk As They Attend Pope Francis' Funeral Trump and Zelenskyy met face-to-face for the first time since their infamous Oval Office spat in February, as both were attending Pope Francis' funeral in Rome. Read On The Fox News App After the meeting, the Ukrainian president posted on X that the meeting was "very symbolic" and could potentially be "historic." The meeting came as peace talks between Russia and Ukraine appeared to be at a standstill with Zelenskyy and Putin making competing demands. Trump Insists Ukraine-russia Peace Deal Is Close, But Mistrust In Putin Leaves Experts Skeptical Trump called the meeting with Zelenskyy on Saturday "beautiful." "Look, we have a tough road ahead, okay?" Trump said. "He told me that he needs more weapons, but he's been saying that for three years. He needs more weapons, and we're going to see what happens. "I want to see what happens with respect to Russia," Trump added. He explained that he was very disappointed with Russia for conducting bombings in Kyiv after the discussions with both countries. Nikki Haley On Russia And Ukraine Says Us Should 'Want To Be On The Right Side Of History' Trump said Zelenskyy spoke to him about Crimea, which has been a sticking point for the Ukrainian president. American officials have apparently floated the idea of recognizing Russia's control of Crimea, a territory that Russia seized in 2014, as part of a ceasefire proposal. This would also involve the freezing of current frontlines. But Zelenskyy has drawn a red line about Crimea. In 2022, Zelenskyy said the Russian war against Ukraine and against the entire free Europe "began with Crimea and must end with Crimea – and its liberation," according to a report from Axios. Vance Issues Ultimatum To Russia, Ukraine On Peace Negotiations On Tuesday, Zelenskyy reiterated his stance, shutting down the idea that Ukraine would recognize Russian control of Crimea. Trump blamed the state of Crimea on former U.S. presidents. "Crimea was given away by Barack Hussein Obama, and by Biden, like 11 or 12 years ago. That's a long time ago," Trump told reporters. "I don't know how he could bring up Crimea, because that's been a long time. Nobody brought it up for 12 years, and now they're bringing it up now. So, I told them, I told him, he should maybe go back to Obama, ask him why they gave it up. They gave it without a shot being fired by him." As far as current negotiations about reaching peace, Trump said he wanted Putin to "stop shooting, sit down and sign a deal." "We have the confines of a deal, I believe, and I want him to sign it and be done with it," the president said. Trump Says 'Inflammatory' Zelenskyy Statement On Crimea Prolongs War With Russia Since his return to the Oval Office, Trump said the U.S. has been more respected than ever before. He also noted that with that strength, there are actions he can take against Russia, though he is not looking to act. "There's no more games," he said before taking another dig at former President Biden. "We have somebody that knows what he's doing, not like the previous person who didn't have a clue." Trump touted that since implementing tariffs, costs are dropping "way down." For instance, he said groceries, eggs and gasoline are coming down. He also said the U.S. is collecting "a lot" of money from the tariffs. "Eventually, we'll be reducing taxes very substantially to the people of our country because the money is so great coming in from tariffs, that I'll be able to reduce taxes to a very large extent, and maybe almost completely," Trump said. Along with tariffs, the president addressed peace negotiations in Iran, saying he thinks the deal is going to be made without "having to start dropping bombs all over the place." Virginia Giuffre, Jeffrey Epstein And Prince Andrew Accuser, Dead At 41 By Suicide: Report On a more somber note, Trump was asked for his reaction to Virginia Giuffre's suicide in Australia. Giuffre, 41, one of Epstein's and Prince Andrew's most prominent accusers, filed a lawsuit against the English royal in New York in 2021. In the lawsuit, Giuffre claimed she was forced to have sex with him three times between 1999 and 2002, when she was underage. She died in Neergabby, Australia over the weekend, where she had been living, according to an NBC report. "Well, it's a very sad situation, the whole thing," Trump said. "That whole situation is very sad, her and others. And so certainly that's a horrible thing, horrible." Fox News Digital's Brie Stimson, Bradford Betz and Rachel Wolf contributed to this article source: Trump disappointed Russia launched rockets at Ukraine, blames Obama, Biden for Crimea giveaway
