Former U.S. President Donald Trump has spoken out strongly against Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling the ongoing war in Ukraine “ridiculous.” Trump said if he becomes president again, he will punish Russia with high taxes and strict sanctions
Trump criticized Putin’s war in Ukraine, saying it has caused unnecessary pain for millions of people. He called the war a mistake that has hurt both Ukraine and the world economy.
Speaking to his supporters, Trump said he would use strong measures to pressure Russia. These include raising taxes on goods from Russia and introducing new sanctions. “This war should never have started,” Trump said. “And it needs to end immediately.”
During his presidency, Trump was sometimes criticized for being friendly with Putin. But his recent statements show a tougher side. Now, he says Putin must face consequences for his actions in Ukraine.
Trump’s new position could be part of his plan to appeal to voters who want strong U.S. leadership in global issues.
Sanctions and taxes are tools countries use to punish others for bad actions. The U.S. and its allies already have many sanctions on Russia, targeting its banks, businesses, and wealthy individuals.
Trump says he would take it further by taxing Russian goods at very high rates. This could hurt Russia’s economy and make it harder for Putin to fund the war. However, experts warn that such actions could also raise prices for energy and other goods worldwide.
Trump’s comments have drawn mixed reactions. Some leaders praised his strong stance, saying Russia needs more pressure. Others wonder if his plan would really work or if it could harm the global economy.
Ukraine’s government welcomed Trump’s words. A spokesperson said, “We need all the support we can get to stop this war and rebuild our country.”
