Trump Expresses Frustration Over Russia-Ukraine Peace Progress as US Imposes New Oil Sanctions

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt

Washington DC:

United States President Donald Trump has expressed growing frustration regarding the stalled progress in ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during Thursday's press briefing.

Following the successful Middle East peace agreement and the conclusion of the Israel-Palestine conflict, Leavitt expressed optimism about the newly implemented "hefty" sanctions against Russian oil companies. She reiterated that India, alongside other nations, is reducing oil purchases from Russia.

"The sanctions we've imposed are quite substantial. International news this morning reported that China is reducing oil purchases from Russia. India has similarly done so at President Trump's request. The President has also urged our European allies to cease their Russian oil purchases," Leavitt stated during the White House press briefing.

However, India has denied any formal agreement, emphasizing that its primary concern remains protecting consumer interests. India's energy policy focuses on price stability and supply security. This statement comes as Trump has imposed 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods, encouraging New Delhi to diversify its energy sources.

"We are applying comprehensive pressure, and we anticipate these sanctions will have significant impact, as confirmed by the Treasury Secretary yesterday," she added.

Leavitt revealed that President Trump is "frustrated" with President Putin, noting that Russia appears to show insufficient interest or action toward achieving a peace agreement. This frustration has become evident as a planned meeting between the two leaders has been indefinitely postponed after Russia rejected the US ceasefire proposal.

"The president has consistently maintained that he would implement sanctions on Russia when he deemed it appropriate and necessary. Yesterday marked that moment. The president has long expressed his frustration with Vladimir Putin and both parties in this conflict. He has always maintained that negotiating an effective peace deal requires interest from both sides. Unfortunately, he believes the Russian side has recently shown inadequate interest or action in progressing toward peace," Leavitt explained.

The press secretary clarified that a Trump-Putin meeting is "not entirely ruled out," but emphasized that such a meeting should produce "tangible positive outcomes."

"A meeting between these leaders isn't completely off the table. The president and the administration hope it can eventually take place. However, we want to ensure the meeting yields concrete positive results and represents a valuable use of the president's time," she stated.

Regarding President Trump's expectations, Leavitt noted, "The president wants to ensure a meeting with President Putin would be productive. He seeks action, not merely discussion. The president is highly motivated by his Middle East peace deal success and wants this conflict resolved. He's been advocating for this resolution throughout his nine months in office and has become increasingly frustrated by the lack of progress."

Meanwhile, the US has imposed sanctions on Russia's two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil.

Putin criticized the United States for repeatedly using sanctions as pressure tactics, asserting such approaches would prove ineffective. He suggested that "certain individuals in the US administration" had advocated for restrictions on Russian oil exports, questioning whose interests these officials truly represent.

Putin characterized the sanctions as an "unfriendly move" that would not improve Moscow-Washington relations. He claimed the new restrictions would have minimal impact on Russia's economy, adding, "No self-respecting country ever yields to pressure," according to Russia Today.