US President Donald Trump is ready to double down on sanctions against Russia to pressure the Kremlin to end its war against Ukraine.

This was stated by US special envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg in an interview with The New York Post.

According to Kellogg, the current US sanctions against Russia, especially those targeting its energy sector, amount to a "3 on a 10-point scale" in terms of economic pressure. He argues that there is significant room for their further intensification.

"We could really ramp up sanctions - especially the recent sanctions (targeting oil production and exports)," Kellogg said.

He added that Trump has already assembled his national security team, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Treasury Secretary Scott Besant, to discuss a coordinated strategy to end the war.

Kellogg criticized former President Joe Biden's approach of supporting Ukraine "as much as necessary," calling it "a bumper sticker, not a strategy." 

Kellogg stressed that the Trump administration is focused on a "comprehensive approach" to ending the war, combining support for Ukraine with increased pressure on Russia.

Trump's special envoy is expected to visit Ukraine later this month for talks with Ukrainian officials. | BGNES