Speaking at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Trump said the United States continued to work toward ending the conflict, RBC Ukraine reported.
“We continue to seek an end to the disastrous war between Russia and Ukraine, which is killing thousands and thousands of people every month,” Trump said.
***
Trump referred to legislation he signed last week that gives the US president expanded authority to impose tariffs as part of efforts to pressure countries involved in trade with Russia.
“Last week, in honor of Senator Lindsey Graham, I signed a powerful new law passed by Congress providing me with enormous new tariff authorities — and if necessary, I will have to use them,” Trump said.
The legislation, formally known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, was signed into law on September 18. It targets Russian officials and key sectors of the Russian economy and provides for additional tariffs on major buyers of Russian energy.
The measure had previously passed the Senate and House of Representatives. The House approved the bill by a 262-159 vote on September 16, sending it to Trump for his signature.
The law also gives Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major importers of Russian oil or natural gas under specified conditions.
Trump said the new powers could be used if Washington determines that additional economic pressure on Russia is necessary.
“It’s time to stop the killing,” he said.
Trump’s comments came as the US president continued to call for an end to the Russia-Ukraine war during his UN address. He has also said he is working with both Russian and Ukrainian leaders to pursue an end to the conflict.
