By establishing a drone manufacturing capability on domestic soil, but far from the reach of Ukrainian forces, Russia has opened up the possibility of mass attacks on Ukraine. The strategy makes sense from a military perspective, as Ukraine's limited air defenses are unable to neutralize all threats. Kiev has already been attacked with as many as 800 drones and missiles.

Despite the effectiveness of the strategy, which is causing serious damage to the Ukrainian side, Russia could risk the good faith shown to it by US President Donald Trump by using excessive force. This was also evident in the statement made by Donald Trump today, where he confirmed without hesitation that he is ready for new sanctions against Russia.

Asked whether he was ready for a second phase of sanctions against Russia, Trump gave a swift and seemingly unconsidered “I am.”

— WarTranslated (@wartranslated) September 7, 2025

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had previously expressed his readiness to impose new secondary sanctions against countries that buy Russian oil. This is a key measure to close the tap on a significant Russian source of money to finance the war in Ukraine.

"We are prepared to increase pressure on Russia, but we need our European partners to accompany us," US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Meet the Press, adding:"We are racing against time - the question is how long the Ukrainian military can hold out and how long the Russian economy can hold out."

"If the US and the European Union impose additional sanctions, including secondary tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil, the Russian economy will completely collapse and this will force Putin to sit at the negotiating table," he added.

This is not a sign that Russia wants a diplomatic solution

Last month, the Trump administration imposed 50 percent tariffs on India for buying Russian oil, among the highest ever imposed on a country. It is also telling that the Trump Treasury Secretary's statement came just hours after Russia carried out its largest airstrike since the start of the war, which killed at least three people and set a government building in Kiev on fire.

"The danger in any war is escalation. Russia appears to be escalating with its largest attack of this war, hitting the Ukrainian cabinet premises in Kiev," Trump's special envoy, General Keith Kellogg, posted on X."History shows that events can spiral out of control due to such actions. That is why President Trump is working to stop this war. The attack was not a sign that Russia wants to end this war diplomatically."