President Trump on Sunday said a ceasefire is necessary to stop further deaths in Ukraine and indicated that additional sanctions may have limited effect on Russia.
“We’ve got to get to a deal where people stop getting killed,” Trump said when asked what message Steve Witkoff might deliver to Russian officials.
When pressed on what should happen on Friday if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire.
“Well there will be sanctions but they seem to be pretty good at avoiding sanctions. You know, they’re wily characters and they’re pretty good at avoiding sanctions. So we’ll see what happens.”
Trump also said Witkoff is currently focused on humanitarian efforts, particularly related to Gaza.
“Steve is focused right now on the border in terms of, we’re talking about with Gaza, getting people fed. And he may be going, I think next week Wednesday or Thursday may be going to Russia,” Trump said.