Donald Trump has threatened tougher sanctions against Russia following its heaviest aerial bombardment on Ukraine since the war began.
Sunday's strikes killed four people, including a mother and her baby, and marked the first time damage was inflicted on Ukraine's main government building in Kyiv.
The attack involved at least 810 drones and 13 missiles, prompting increased calls for more decisive Western action against President Vladimir Putin.
Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Kremlin, responded by stating that no sanctions could compel Russia to alter its strategic position.
Speaking to reporters post-bombardment, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing situation and affirmed his readiness to escalate punitive measures against Russia, albeit without providing specific details when prompted.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent elaborated that Washington is awaiting stronger European backing to amplify economic pressure, suggesting that EU nations increasing sanctions could lead to a total collapse of the Russian economy.
The most recent measure from Washington has been a 50% tariff on imports from India, imposed in response to the nation's continued Russian oil purchases. Trump hinted at extending similar secondary sanctions to other countries.
European leaders are projected to visit Washington soon to explore avenues for ending the conflict. Additionally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the necessity for European nations to entirely cease energy purchases from Russia, endorsing Trump's tariff strategy as beneficial in reducing Moscow's revenue.
Despite mounting sanctions, Russia has sought to expand its markets, recently pledging to increase gas supplies to China while OPEC+ (a group including Russia) has agreed to boost oil production, complicating efforts to economically squeeze Russia.
