Trump is prepared to double sanctions to compel Russia to pursue peace, according to Kellogg.

US President Donald Trump is prepared to double sanctions to compel Russia to end its war against Ukraine.

This was stated by his special representative for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, in an interview with The New York Post.

He noted that both Kyiv and Moscow will have to make concessions to bring the war to a close.

According to Kellogg, the sanctions imposed on Russia are "only a three" on a scale from 1 to 10 regarding how painful economic pressure can be.

"Sanctions can really be intensified – especially the latest sanctions [targeting oil extraction and export]," he said.

Kellogg also emphasized that Russia has not shied away from significant losses of its own troops in the past and is not interested in doing so now, which means that pressure on the Russian Federation cannot be solely military.

"You need to apply economic pressure, diplomatic pressure, some military pressure, and leverage to ensure that everything goes in the direction we want," he clarified.

In Kellogg's view, the war will not end without negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, in which both sides will have to make compromises.

"Frankly, in any negotiations, both sides have to concede; that's just how negotiations work. Will it be acceptable for everyone? No. But you try to find a balance," he added.

Background. Earlier, Mind reported that Yermak discussed with Kellogg his upcoming visit to Ukraine. "A just and lasting peace is a priority for Ukraine," said the head of the Office of the President.