U.S. increases pressure on Russia as peace talks stall over Ukraine crisis

12:20

Three days of negotiations in Florida ended with cautious optimism but a clear warning from Washington: if Moscow refuses the emerging peace framework, the United States is prepared to intensify sanctions and supply Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles.

Senator Lindsey Graham urged a sharp escalation should Russia reject the proposal, calling on President Donald Trump to authorize the transfer of Tomahawk missiles capable of striking inside Russian territory. He suggested the move would target factories producing missiles and drones, emphasizing that only stronger pressure could compel President Vladimir Putin to reconsider his stance.

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff reported progress on a revised 20-point peace plan that includes stronger security guarantees for Ukraine, modeled on NATO’s collective defense principle. The proposal outlines the role of European troops in Ukraine’s reconstruction and long-term security, signaling a coordinated effort to consolidate peace through both diplomatic and strategic means.

Sanctions and energy leverage

The U.S. strategy also extends beyond military support. Graham proposed a series of economic measures, including tariffs on countries purchasing discounted Russian oil, the designation of Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism over the deportation of Ukrainian children, and the seizure of oil tankers carrying sanctioned crude. The approach mirrors recent U.S. actions against Venezuela, where Washington has intercepted multiple oil shipments in a bid to enforce compliance.

European allies endorsed the tougher stance. Finland’s President Alexander Stubb stated that the negotiations are closer to a breakthrough than ever before but warned that increased sanctions may be necessary if Russia rejects the framework. He highlighted the significant impact of sanctions on Russian energy firms and stressed that maintaining coordinated pressure remains essential for an eventual settlement.

Moscow’s cautious dismissal

In response, Russian officials offered mixed reactions. Envoy Kirill Dmitriev described the talks as “constructive,” while Yuri Ushakov, senior aide to Putin, dismissed the European and Ukrainian amendments as counterproductive. Putin reiterated that Russia would continue its military campaign if its territorial conditions were not accepted.

While Trump had expressed hopes for a deal before Christmas, the timeline now appears uncertain as both sides review the revised text. European leaders warned that the remaining issues, though few, are among the most contentious, leaving the fragile progress at risk as conflict continues on the ground.