Trump turns up the heat on Putin as he deals second blow to Russia in just hours

Donald Trump dealt two heavy blows to Russia within a space of just a few hours. On Wednesday, the White House confirmed it was still planning to follow through on the threat of secondary sanctions against Russia. This Friday, August 8, will mark the deadline set by the US President for Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine.

Washington previously threatened to lash out at the Russian economy should Moscow not clearly show it wants peace in its neighbouring country. And today, the White House confirmed its intention to enforce measures designed to prevent third parties from trading with countries subjected to sanctions on Russia in two days' time. This came despite Mr Trump saying the recent meeting between his special envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin went well.

He wrote on Truth Social this afternoon: "My Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, just had a highly productive meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Great progress was made! Afterwards, I updated some of our European Allies. Everyone agrees this war must come to a close, and we will work towards that in the days and weeks to come. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

Hours prior, Mr Trump had branded Russia an "extraordinary threat" to the national security and foreign policy of his country. This came as he signed an executive order slapping an additional 25% tariff on India over Russian oil imports.

The US President said: "I determine that it is necessary and appropriate to impose an additional ad valorem duty on imports of articles of India, which is directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil."

By targeting Russian oil, the US may cripple the Kremlin's ability to finance its unlawful invasion of Ukraine.

Mr Trump's double blow to the Russian economy comes as the US President also spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The wartime politician said of the call, during which he had also been joined by European leaders: "Our joint position with our partners is absolutely clear - the war must end. And it must be done honestly. Ukraine will definitely defend its independence. We all need a lasting and reliable peace. Russia must end the war that it itself started. Thank you to everyone who stands with Ukraine."