**Falling Oil Prices May Force Putin to End Ukraine War, Trump Suggests**
In a recent interview with CNBC, US President Donald Trump hinted that plummeting oil prices could be the key to ending Russia’s war in Ukraine. According to Trump, if oil prices drop another $10 per barrel, Russian President Vladimir Putin will have no choice but to stop the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Trump pointed out that energy exports remain the main source of income for Russia’s wartime economy. With crude prices already at a four-year low due to increased production by OPEC+ countries, Trump believes that Putin is under pressure to make concessions. “If energy goes down low enough, Putin is going to stop killing people,” he said.
**The Economics of War**
It’s worth noting that Russia’s energy exports have been the driving force behind its economy during this conflict. The country has used these revenues to finance its military campaign in Ukraine. However, with global oil prices dropping and OPEC+ countries increasing production, Putin’s economic situation is becoming increasingly dire.
Trump’s comments come as US diplomats are stepping up pressure on Moscow to agree to a ceasefire. Senior US diplomat John Kelley recently told the United Nations Security Council that Trump wants a deal to end the war by August 8. The US has also threatened new sanctions and tariffs on Russia if it fails to comply with Trump’s demands.
**The Consequences of War**
The proposed sanctions include secondary tariffs on countries that continue to buy Russian oil, gas, and other exports. This move would directly impact major trading partners such as China and India, further isolating Russia from the global economy.
As Anna Fratsyvir, a news editor at the Kyiv Independent, notes, “The economic consequences of Putin’s actions are starting to catch up with him. The war in Ukraine has been costly for Russia, both in terms of human life and economic losses.” With falling oil prices adding to Putin’s woes, it remains to be seen whether Trump’s tactics will ultimately persuade the Russian President to end the conflict.
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