US Prepares Tougher Sanctions Against Russia In Case of Ceasefire Violations, Says Finland’s President

The United States is preparing a new sanctions package against Russia in case Moscow refuses a ceasefire or violates any agreement, Finnish President Alexander Stubb said after meeting with Donald Trump, Finnish media outlet Yle reported on March 30.

During a press conference, Stubb emphasized the need for a strong sanctions mechanism should Russia break its commitments.

“We also discussed this with President Trump and Senator Lindsey Graham, the architect of the sanctions package. He is expected to propose it soon, with the backing of around 50 US senators,” Stubb said.

The Finnish president also noted that US patience with Russia is wearing thin, which he sees as a positive development.

“Trump is very impatient with Russia’s actions—this endless scheming and delays in agreeing to a ceasefire. I tried to explain that this is typical Russian behavior: first, they agree to something, and then they start demanding new conditions,” Stubb remarked.

He added that he told Trump that Russia only understands strength, which means tougher sanctions and the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.

Stubb also revealed that Trump asked him whether Putin could be trusted. Stubb said: “No, he cannot.”

Stubb’s visit to the US on March 29 was unofficial and included a meeting with Trump in Florida. They discussed bilateral cooperation, and Russia’s war against Ukraine, and even played a round of golf.

On March 30, NBC News journalist Kristen Welker reported that Trump told her by phone that he was furious with Putin and ready to impose “secondary tariffs” on all Russian oil.

According to Welker, Trump said these tariffs would be set at 25% and could be implemented at any moment.

Trump reportedly became enraged after Putin questioned the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and suggested that Ukraine needed new leadership.