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Trump “Not Thrilled” With Record Strike on Kyiv, Hints at Tougher Sanctions and Urgent Putin Call
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
US President Donald Trump signaled that he is prepared to escalate sanctions on Russia over its war against Ukraine, telling reporters he is ready to move into a “second phase” of punitive measures and plans to speak with Vladimir Putin “very soon,” Reuters reported on September 7.
Asked directly at the White House whether he was willing to advance sanctions into the next stage, Trump replied, “Yeah, I am.” He did not outline what that phase would include or when it might be implemented.
[Q]: Are you ready to move to the second phase of sanctions against Russia or punishing Putin?
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) September 7, 2025
President Trump: Yeah. I am. pic.twitter.com/YOfKtAZ2Wd
Later in the day, Trump added that he intends to talk with the Russian leader within days.
“Very soon. Over the next couple of days. Look, we’re going to get it done. The Russia-Ukraine situation. We’re going to get it done,” he said.
Trump condemned Moscow’s overnight assault on Kyiv—the largest drone and missile barrage of the full-scale war, which struck government buildings in the capital.
“I am not thrilled with what’s happening there,” Trump said. “I believe we’re going to get it settled. But I am not happy with them. I’m not happy with anything having to do with that war.”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has also signaled tougher measures may be coming, suggesting the US and European Union could consider “secondary tariffs on the countries that buy Russian oil,” with the aim of forcing Putin to the negotiating table.
Kevin Hassett, head of the White House National Economic Council, confirmed that additional sanctions were under review after Russia’s latest mass strike on Kyiv, but stressed that the final decision rests with the President.
Trump said several European leaders are expected at the White House in the coming days to discuss a potential peace framework, though he did not specify which leaders or what proposals might be on the table.
Earlier, Trump urged Europe to cut off purchases of Russian oil and to step up economic pressure on China, arguing that both steps are critical to ending Russia’s war against Ukraine.
