Donald Trump says its simpler to work with Russia than Ukraine as he points World War Three warning

Donald Trump threatened to hit Russia with massive sanctions and tariffs as he told both sides “get to the table right now before it is too late”.

The US President said Vladimir Putin must stop “absolutely pounding” Ukraine following a barrage of airstrikes which wounded at least 18 people, including four children. It marks his most direct challenge to the Kremlin tyrant since taking office, and a shift from his recent comments blaming Ukraine for its own invasion.

Putin’s latest bombardment comes after the US stopped sharing military aid and vital intelligence with Kyiv, hindering its efforts to detect Russian drones and missiles.

Writing on his Truth Social platform, Mr Trump said: “Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely “pounding” Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large-scale banking sanctions, sanctions, and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and final settlement agreement on peace is reached. To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!”

But speaking in the Oval Office soon after, Mr Trump claimed it was easier to deal with Russia than Ukraine and he wanted to get the war “finished” before backing security guarantees for Ukraine. And he warned that the conflict in Ukraine could spiral into “World War Three” if a peace deal isn’t agreed.

Asked if he believed Putin wanted peace, Mr Trump said: “I believe him. I think we’re doing very well with Russia. But right now they’re bombing the hell out of Ukraine. I’m finding it more difficult frankly to deal with Ukraine. They don’t have the cards.”

He claimed both parties “want to settle” and added: “I think we’re going to get it settled and stopped.”

But asked if Putin was taking advantage of the pause in US military aid and intelligence, he appeared to sympathise with Russia. Mr Trump said: “He’s hitting them harder than he’s been hitting them and I think anybody in that position would be doing that right now”.

US officials are expected to meet Ukrainian envoys in Saudi Arabia next week for critical talks on a ceasefire. President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday night that “Ukraine is most interested in peace” and confirmed he will fly out before the talks to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

No10 said President Zelensky had “set out his readiness to move quickly and set out some possible elements for the first stage of a peace deal”, which would form a basis for talks in Riyadh.

Keir Starmer welcomed the potential for peace talks in a call with European leaders as he continues his push for countries to commit troops to defend a Ukraine peace deal. The call came after a crunch EU Council meeting on Thursday, where EU countries backed moves to free up hundreds of billions of euros for defence.

A Downing Street spokeswoman said: “The Prime Minister applauded the progress the European Union had made at the European Council yesterday, saying it was a historic step forward and another sign of Europe stepping up.

The leaders also discussed the PM’s drive for a “coalition of the willing” to defend peace in Ukraine ahead of a chiefs of defence meeting in Paris next week, the spokeswoman said.

It comes as Polish PM Donald Tusk announced plans for all men in Poland to undergo military training.

Meanwhile, No10 sought to downplay Mr Trump’s comments that the US might not come to the aid of Nato countries if they do not meet military spending targets. The US President also questioned whether Nato allies would back America if it was in trouble.

The PM’s official spokesman said Mr Trump has repeatedly talked about a need for Nato allies to “step up and pull their weight” when it comes to defence spending.

“I don’t think from what the President said yesterday is any different to what he was saying in his first term in office, and indeed, what he pointed to is the fact that that position that he took in his first term has led to increased defence spending from Nato allies,” he said.