Easy way or hard: Trump threatens consequences unless Ukraine war is stopped
There will be serious consequences for Russia unless the "ridiculous" war in Ukraine is brought to an end, Donald Trump has warned.
The newly elected 47th President stated on social media that he would impose high tariffs and further sanctions against the country unless President Vladimir Putin ends hostilities.
Despite the warning, Mr Trump insisted he was "not looking to hurt Russia".
He said: "I love the Russian people and always had a very good relationship with President Putin.
"We must never forget that Russia helped us win the Second World War, losing almost 60,000,000 lives [total war dead] in the process.
"All of that being said, I'm going to do Russia, whose economy is failing, and President Putin a very big favour.
"Settle now and stop this ridiculous war."
President Trump warned high levels of economic penalties would be enforced against Moscow and its allies.
He also stated the war would never have started if he had remained president after his first term.
He said: "If we don't make a deal, and soon, I have no other choice but to put high levels of taxes, tariffs and sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States, and various other participating countries.
"We can do it the easy way, or the hard way – and the easy way is always better.
"It's time to make a deal. No more lives should be lost."
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