The results of the Russia-Ukraine talks are slim! Trump threatens again: new sanctions may be imposed on Russia

President Trump of the United States has issued a new warning, stating that if an agreement cannot be reached on the Ukraine issue, the US will impose new sanctions on Russia. "To be honest, if we can't reach an agreement, I will (impose sanctions)." In an interview released on May 16, Trump responded to whether additional sanctions would be imposed on Russia. "We are at a critical moment now, let's wait and see. This will be a devastating blow to Russia because they are currently in an economic crisis and oil prices are low." Trump also said, "I have always felt that without my involvement, the leaders of both sides cannot hold talks because I believe that without me, there will be no agreement... Both sides are full of hostility." He also said that he still believes that Russian President Putin is ready to reach an agreement to end the war in Ukraine, stating, "Putin is tired of all this." Trump reiterated his intention to meet with Putin soon. "I have a good relationship with Putin. I think we will reach an agreement. We must have a meeting, and I think we may schedule one soon." When asked if Putin is the main obstacle to peace between Russia and Ukraine, Trump instead pointed the finger at Ukrainian President Zelensky. "Listen, I had a very unpleasant meeting with Zelensky. He didn't make things easy, and I have always said that he doesn't have the chips to (win)... You are facing a huge army." At the time of Trump making these remarks, the direct talks between Russia and Ukraine held in Istanbul, Turkey on May 16 had little success. There were significant differences between the two sides on several core issues such as territorial sovereignty and ceasefire conditions, and no breakthrough was reached. However, the two sides agreed to a "1000 for 1000" prisoner exchange, the largest such exchange since the conflict began. They also agreed to communicate their ceasefire conditions in writing and agreed in principle to hold further talks. The Russia-Ukraine talks were held behind closed doors. After the meeting, both sides had different assessments of the results. The Russian side said they were "overall satisfied" with the results and willing to continue contact, while the Ukrainian side said the talks were fruitless and that Russian demands were unacceptable. It is reported that Russia's demands during the talks included Ukraine adopting a neutral position, abandoning its demand for war reparations from Russia, and acknowledging its loss of Crimea and four occupied areas not fully under Russia's control. Ukraine has been urging Russia to agree to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, stating that the war must stop before real peace talks can take place. However, so far, Russia has repeatedly refused a comprehensive ceasefire because they fear it will give breathing space to the Ukrainian army and prefer to have more negotiations before a ceasefire. After the talks on Friday, Ukraine called on its Western allies to impose harsher sanctions on Russia. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated on the same day that the EU is preparing a new round of sanctions against Moscow to increase pressure on Russia. British Prime Minister Starmer said that Russia's position "is clearly unacceptable" and European leaders, Ukraine, and the US are "closely coordinating" responses.