Trump’s Plan to End the Ukraine War by 2025 Through Sanctions

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Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said President Donald Trump “could end the war in Ukraine by year’s end” through aggressive secondary sanctions on Russian oil exports. In a July 17 interview on The Times podcast “The General and the Journalist,” Yermak outlined how Trump’s proposed secondary sanctions on nations importing Russian oil and gas could shift the dynamics of the conflict.

Yermak argued that these sanctions would not only weaken Russia’s economy but also pressure key importers, such as China and India, to push for a resolution to avoid economic fallout with the United States. “Only economic problems can press Putin and make him recognise that continuing this war is too costly,” Yermak stated, highlighting the pivotal role of Russia’s oil revenue in sustaining its military efforts. He added, “The price of oil has given Putin the means to finance his war machine.”

Trump’s strategy includes imposing 100% secondary tariffs on goods from nations that import Russian energy, and he is reportedly weighing a 500% global tariff on Russian crude, targeting countries such as China, India, and Turkey. Such measures, Yermak believes, could cripple Russia’s economic capacity to sustain the war. He also noted Trump’s commitment to supplying Ukraine with advanced military aid, including Patriot missile systems and other cutting-edge US weaponry.

Yermak added, “I am optimistic that Trump will not back down… he knows how successful peace through strength was with Iran.”

Yermak described a recent call between Trump and Zelensky as “highly productive,” saying it reflected growing alignment between the two leaders. This growing rapport could pave the way for closer US-Ukraine collaboration in both military and diplomatic efforts.

Yermak drew a historical parallel, saying, “Did the bombing of London break the spirit of the British during World War II? No. We are fighting for our families, for our children, for our only homeland.” His words reflect a steely determination to endure, even as war fatigue sets in.

While the UK’s Labour government has voiced support for Ukraine, its broader foreign policy priorities have drawn scrutiny for lacking the decisive edge needed in such conflicts. Trump’s approach, by contrast, is framed as a bold and pragmatic move to force Russia’s hand through economic leverage rather than prolonged diplomatic wrangling.

Yermak’s comments signal a belief that Trump’s sanctions could be a game-changer, compelling even Russia’s allies to reconsider their positions. Whether this strategy will deliver peace by 2025 remains to be seen, but it underscores a shift towards hard-hitting economic measures in the quest to end the war.