US President Donald Trump said he will decide within two weeks whether to impose new, "massive" sanctions on Russia, citing frustration over the lack of progress toward ending Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Speaking to reporters at the White House on 22 Aug., Trump said, “I’m not happy with any aspect of this effort… In two weeks we’ll know which way I’m going.” The president’s ultimatum follows his 15 Aug. meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage and separate talks in Washington with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy and European officials. Those discussions failed to advance preparations for direct Russia-Ukraine negotiations, according to Trump, who warned he could opt for sweeping sanctions, tariffs—or stand aside and let Kyiv "fight alone." Trump added that European nations are preparing “significant” security guarantees for Ukraine that could include deploying troops, and said Washington would "back up" those commitments. He signaled he will “step in” if the situation on the ground does not improve within the next fortnight.
TRUMP ON RUSSIA–UKRAINE: WE’LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS IN THE NEXT WEEK OR TWO, THEN I’LL STEP IN.
Trump States "We'll See What Happens In The Next Week Or Two, Then I'll Step In" Regarding Russia–Ukraine Situation 🇷🇺🇺🇸🗓️
Trump on Russia and Ukraine: We'll see what happens over week or two, at that point i'll step in.