Trump Warns Putin He’s ‘Playing with Fire’ as US Mulls New Russia Sanctions

WASHINGTON, May 28 (Alliance News): US President Donald Trump on Tuesday issued a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he was “playing with fire” amid growing frustration over stalled peace efforts in Ukraine and a potential escalation in sanctions against Moscow.

Trump’s warning came via a post on his Truth Social platform, where he criticized Putin just days after calling him “absolutely CRAZY” following a deadly drone attack in Ukraine that killed at least 13 civilians.

“What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realise is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He’s playing with fire!” Trump wrote, without elaborating.

The statement marks a noticeable shift in tone from Trump, who has often praised Putin in the past. It also signals increasing impatience over the lack of progress in ending the war, which began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Reports from The Wall Street Journal and CNN suggest Trump is seriously considering imposing new sanctions on Russia, possibly as early as this week. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump confirmed that he was “absolutely” weighing the option.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt supported the president’s stance, saying Trump was keeping “all options” on the table. “This war is Joe Biden’s fault, and President Trump has been clear he wants a negotiated peace. He has also smartly kept all options on the table,” she told AFP.

While President Biden has already enacted sweeping sanctions on Russia since the war began, Trump has so far held off from targeting major Russian financial institutions, warning such sanctions could be “devastating.”

However, Trump’s recent remarks suggest a turning point. His frustration mounted after Russia continued its drone barrage despite assurances, during a recent phone call, that Moscow would pursue immediate talks. Russia has since blamed Ukraine for disrupting peace negotiations, accusing Kyiv of provocative actions backed by European allies.

Ukraine rejected Moscow’s claims and urged tougher sanctions. “We need to end this eternal waiting — Russia needs more sanctions,” said Andriy Yermak, Chief of Staff to President Volodymyr Zelensky, on Telegram.

Prominent US lawmakers, including Republican Senator Chuck Grassley and bipartisan Senators Lindsay Graham and Richard Blumenthal, have increased pressure on Trump to act. They are urging not only direct sanctions but also “secondary sanctions” on nations purchasing Russian oil and raw materials.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts remain in flux. Trump’s envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, told Fox News that Geneva might host the next round of peace talks after Moscow rejected the Vatican. The ultimate goal, he said, would be to bring Trump, Putin, and Zelensky together for direct negotiations.

The Swiss Foreign Ministry neither confirmed nor denied the possibility but reiterated that Switzerland remains open to offering its “good offices” and is in contact with all parties.

Russia and Ukraine last held direct talks in Istanbul in early May — the first such engagement in over three years.