U.S. President Donald Trump voices frustration over renewed attacks in Ukraine and slow peace talks.
U.S. President Donald Trump is considering new sanctions on Russia amid growing frustration over ongoing attacks in Ukraine and slow peace talks. While new banking sanctions are unlikely, other measures including a proposed 30-day cease-fire supported by Ukraine but rejected by Russia are being considered. Trump may also choose not to impose additional sanctions.
“President Trump has been clear he wants a negotiated peace deal,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told The Wall Street Journal. “He has also smartly kept all options on the table.”
Trump’s approach to Russian President Vladimir Putin has fluctuated between threats of sanctions and talks of expanding trade. Despite believing his personal relationship with Putin could improve ties, Trump has been unable to secure peace concessions as Putin has escalated the conflict.
Shortly after Trump’s comments on Sunday, Russia launched its largest-ever drone and missile assault on Ukraine overnight into Monday. Ukraine’s air force reported more than 350 explosive drones and at least nine cruise missiles. Russia described the strikes as retaliation for Ukrainian bombings inside Russian territory.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate is ramping up pressure on Russia with a bipartisan plan proposing new sanctions and tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil, gas, and uranium. The measure has gained strong support.
Germany and other Western allies recently lifted restrictions on the range of weapons supplied to Ukraine, allowing strikes deeper into Russia. The White House has not commented on this development.
Earlier, Trump was hesitant to blame Putin for rejecting a cease-fire supported by Ukraine. His views were influenced by his dislike of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he accused of worsening the conflict by pushing sanctions. Trump also doubted the effectiveness of more sanctions, believing Putin would end the war as a personal favor. However, Putin’s refusal to agree to a cease-fire has shifted Trump’s stance. After a recent call in which Putin rejected the cease-fire, Trump expressed doubt that Putin genuinely wants peace.
During his first term, Russia continued backing attacks in Ukraine, while U.S. provided Ukraine with weapons. On the campaign trail, Trump claimed Russia would not have invaded Ukraine if he had been president and promised to end the war quickly.
In July 2023, Trump confidently declared, “Before I even arrive at the Oval Office, shortly after we all together win the presidency, the terrible war between Russia and Ukraine will be resolved. It will be settled.”
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Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed, according to the latest data, as uncertainty over the waterway’s reopening kept most shipowners away. Six commodity vessels crossed the strait on Tuesday, down from nine the day before and below the 10-day daily average of 11.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to resolve the conflict remained stalled. Nine commodity vessels transited the key waterway on Wednesday, unchanged from the previous day, according to Kpler data.
Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils the terms of an interim deal, including lifting the maritime blockade and sanctions and releasing Iran’s frozen assets.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 19th of August, covering the latest developments.
Australia on Thursday condemned Israel’s decision to close its criminal investigation into the deaths of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom and six World Central Kitchen colleagues killed in Gaza in April 2024.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to resolve the conflict remained stalled. Nine commodity vessels transited the key waterway on Wednesday, unchanged from the previous day, according to Kpler data.
North Korea has fired more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles after U.S. President Donald Trump reduced American participation in joint military exercises with South Korea in an effort to revive dialogue with Pyongyang.
Georgia’s foreign trade data for January-July 2026 shows Kyrgyzstan, China and Russia as its top three export markets, highlighting its Middle Corridor ambitions and complex economic ties with Moscow.
Kazakhstan will vote on 23 August in its first parliamentary election under the new Constitution, choosing 145 members of the new Kurultai under a fundamentally changed electoral system based entirely on party lists.
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