President Trump responded firmly and vowed tough sanctions after Russia launched its most devastating assault on Ukraine since the start of the war. The strike involved 810 drones and multiple missiles aimed at Kyiv and surrounding areas. Ukrainian officials reported at least four people dead and more than forty injured. Among the targets was Ukraine’s central government headquarters, marking the first time Moscow directly hit that building. (RELATED NEWS: Trump and His ‘Art of the Deal’ for Ukraine Peace)
Trump called the attack a deliberate escalation and promised to punish Russian President Vladimir Putin. He announced plans for a new wave of sanctions designed to cripple Russia’s ability to fund its war effort. The president emphasized that oil exports remain Russia’s economic lifeline, and those flows must be disrupted to reduce Moscow’s capacity to continue the assault.
A “Phase Two” of Sanctions
Trump described the upcoming measures as a “second phase” of economic pressure. While earlier rounds of sanctions restricted banking and trade, this next step will focus heavily on Russian energy. The president signaled that the United States will push for penalties not only on Russia itself but also on countries that continue to purchase Russian oil.
Q: “Are you ready to move to the second phase of sanctions against Russia?”
TRUMP: “Yeah, I am.” pic.twitter.com/ikRedacRms
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) September 7, 2025
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that Washington is exploring secondary tariffs on nations still engaging in oil trade with Moscow. These tariffs would place heavy costs on countries that attempt to skirt sanctions by buying Russian crude. The strategy is designed to make it more expensive for Russia’s largest buyers to continue their partnerships.
India Already Targeted
India quickly felt the impact of this new approach. The United States announced a fifty percent tariff on Indian imports, directly tied to New Delhi’s ongoing purchase of Russian oil. Ukrainian leaders praised the move, calling it a meaningful step toward weakening Russia’s funding pipeline.
Critics, however, argue that tariffs will not achieve their full effect unless they target the largest consumers of Russian energy. China and India together account for most of Russia’s oil exports. Without stronger measures directed at both nations, sanctions risk losing their power. Energy analysts note that these penalties could disrupt global crude flows, raising costs for many countries.
Europe and U. S. Push for United Strategy
European leaders quickly rallied behind Washington’s strategy. Officials from the European Union met with U.S. representatives to coordinate the nineteenth package of sanctions since the war began. Talks focused on expanding restrictions on oil sales, tightening financial measures, and limiting access to key technologies.
EU sanctions envoy David O’Sullivan stressed the importance of unity across the Atlantic. By working together, the United States and Europe aim to close loopholes and prevent Moscow from shifting its trade to willing partners. European Council President Antonio Costa added that the new sanctions would send a clear signal of resolve after the deadly strike on Kyiv.
Ukraine Demands Swift Action
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the Russian assault as a crime against civilians. He urged allies to respond with action, not just words.
That is why statements by state leaders and institutions must be backed by strong actions – sanctions against Russia and individuals connected with Russia, tough tariffs and other restrictions on trade with Russia. Their losses must be felt. That is what is truly convincing.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 7, 2025
Prime Minister Yuliya Svyrydenko “condemned the assault as a blatant rejection of peace efforts.”
Ukraine’s leaders framed the bombing as proof that Putin has no intention of de-escalating. Instead, they argued, Moscow is intensifying the war and must face the strongest possible response. The strike on the government headquarters underscored the danger of delay in international decision-making.
Russia’s Defiance
Despite growing pressure, the Kremlin dismissed the latest sanctions threats. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said:
“No sanctions will be able to force the Russian Federation to change the consistent position that our president has repeatedly spoken about.”
Still, analysts note that energy revenue is critical to Russia’s survival. If oil sales fall sharply, the Kremlin will face mounting difficulty in financing both the war effort and its domestic programs. Even if sanctions do not alter Putin’s political stance, they could weaken its ability to sustain military operations at the current scale.
Economic and Global Impact
The threat of secondary sanctions could reshape energy markets worldwide. Restricting Russia’s oil buyers would redirect global trade flows and potentially create shortages in some regions. Traders warn that costs may rise as markets adjust, though supporters argue that the sacrifice is necessary to limit Russia’s war chest.
For Western nations, the sanctions also carry risks. Higher energy prices could strain households and industries already coping with inflation. Leaders in Washington and Brussels stress that the long-term goal outweighs the short-term discomfort. By targeting Russia’s oil trade now, they believe they can shorten the war and reduce future instability.
What Comes Next
The coming weeks will test Western resolve. Trump has committed to a second wave of sanctions designed to cut deeper into Russia’s economy than ever before. Europe is preparing to match those measures with its own package. Together, these actions could finally limit the resources Russia depends on to sustain its invasion.
The global energy market may feel the strain, but the underlying message is clear: Western powers are no longer content with symbolic measures. They are moving toward sanctions that directly threaten Russia’s ability to wage war. Whether these efforts succeed will depend on coordination, persistence, and the willingness of nations like China and India to resist or adapt.
Bottom Line
Trump’s vow to punish Putin after the deadly attack on Ukraine signals a decisive shift in strategy. The focus on oil revenues and secondary sanctions marks an escalation in economic warfare aimed at crippling Moscow’s war machine.
Trump has given Putin every opportunity to come to the table with a serious plan and to stop the strikes long enough to negotiate peace. But he has undermined the negotiation process by continuing aggression against Ukraine.
Europe is standing with the United States, Ukraine is demanding swift action, and the Kremlin is digging in its heels.
The outcome will shape not only the future of Ukraine but also the stability of global markets and alliances. As sanctions move into a new phase, the world watches to see whether economic force can succeed where diplomacy has struggled.
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