U.S. President Donald Trump still holds leverage to push for a diplomatic resolution to the war in Ukraine.

Axar.az reports that this was stated by Matthew Whitaker, the U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO.

He noted that if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not agree to a ceasefire, harsh U.S. sanctions against Russia and the countries doing business with it will come into effect starting next week.

Whitaker added that Putin continues to sell oil to India, Brazil, and China, and that these countries will also face serious consequences for cooperating with Russia.

“Russia will have no friends left. It will have no trading partners. And its ability to finance the war will collapse,” Whitaker said.

He emphasized that a ceasefire is essential and that it can only be achieved through diplomacy and negotiations. While he doesn’t see ideal conditions for either side, that should not stop Russia and Ukraine from halting the bloodshed.