US sanctions against Russia: Trump and Putin under pressure on the phone!

US sanctions against Russia: Trump and Putin under pressure on the phone!

On May 18, 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on the continuing tensions between the United States and Russia, especially with regard to new sanctions that could be imposed on the Kremlin. In the run-up to a planned phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, the US government increases the pressure on Moscow. Rubio informed CBS News that there is a wide range of majority in the US parliament for additional measures, should there be no progress in the discussions on the end of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Trump and Putin will make calls on Monday, at 10:00 a.m.

Rubio emphasized that the US government had asked the congress for more time for the negotiations, but could not stop the process. This is done in the middle of worries that Russia only wants to win time. In the past few months, Trump and Putin have already telephoned twice to discuss the situation in Ukraine, with Russia agreed to suspend the attacks on the Ukrainian energy infrastructure for one month, provided that Kiev does this too.

progress in the negotiations

On Friday, talks between Ukrainian and Russian penchant were held in Istanbul, but they ended without progress in the ceasefire. There was a significant prisoner exchange, but no agreement on a permanent gun rest. Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj asked for a devastating drone attack in Sumy, in which several civilians were killed, sharper sanctions against Russia, and emphasized that serious diplomacy was only possible with increased pressure on Moscow. He also criticized the Russian negotiators as not authorized to negotiate about a ceasefire.

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lawrow discussed the results after the meeting in Istanbul with Rubio. Rubios appreciative statement about the offer of the Vatican to act as an intermediary underlines the effort to revive the discussions.

background and future measures

The United States has imposed extensive sanctions against Russia in the past, especially after the death of the regime critic Alexej Nawalny and because of the ongoing war. In February 2024, the US government announced 500 new sanctions that were directed against individuals, the Russian financial sector and the military-industrial complex. The then President Biden said that these measures should aim to impose a higher price for his aggression and the oppression of civil society.

Trump plans to continue dialogue with Selenskyj and NATO representatives after the phone call with Putin to discuss the chances of a ceasefire. On this occasion, trade questions should also be addressed, which illustrates the complexity of the negotiations. While the United States is trying to find a solution, Russia announced the expansion of entry bans for European representatives, in response to the continuing support for Ukraine.

The coming days could be crucial for whether there is a breakthrough in the conversations or whether the tensions continue to escalate. The international community observes developments with great concern and hope for peace.