Trump says Russia sanctions would hurt US economy

At the recent Group of Seven (G7) summit in Alberta, Canada, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed hesitation about imposing stricter sanctions on Russia. He explained that such measures would cost the United States a significant amount of money, potentially billions of dollars. Trump emphasized that sanctions are not a simple decision, as they have a major financial impact on the U.S. economy.

European leaders, including those from the UK and the EU, urged Trump to support tougher penalties to pressure Russia into negotiating an end to the ongoing Ukraine conflict, now in its fourth year. However, Trump dismissed their calls, stating he wants to wait and see if a peace deal can be reached before taking action. “I’m holding off to see if we can get an agreement,” he told reporters, highlighting his preference for diplomacy over immediate economic measures.

Trump’s reluctance has created a divide within the G7, as European nations push for stronger action against Moscow. He also suggested that European countries should take the lead on sanctions, saying, “Let them act first.” Meanwhile, some U.S. senators, like Richard Blumenthal and Lindsey Graham, are advocating for a new sanctions bill that could include hefty tariffs on countries buying Russian energy. Despite their efforts, Trump’s approval remains crucial, and his current stance leans toward avoiding measures that could strain U.S. finances.