I find it more difficult to deal with Ukraine than Russia: Donald Trump on efforts to end war

He also said that he trusts Vladimir Putin.

"I believe him," Trump said in a televised press conference at the White House.

"I'm finding it more difficult frankly to deal with Ukraine and they don't have the cards," he said. "It may be easier dealing with Russia."

This comes just days after the spat with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office.

Earlier in the day, Donald Trump said that he is considering "large-scale" sanctions and tariffs against Russia until it reaches a ceasefire and peace agreement with Ukraine.

The statement comes after a wave of strikes in Ukraine on Thursday night.

"Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely 'pounding' Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED. To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!"

Sanctions are penalties imposed by one country on another to prevent them from breaking international laws or acting aggressively.

The United States, United Kingdom, and Europe, along with countries including Australia, Canada, and Japan have already imposed more than 21,000 sanctions on Russia since its' invasion of Ukraine three years ago.

In January, after assuming office, Trump had warned of tariffs and more sanctions if Putin did not end the war.

Washington is pushing Russia and Ukraine towards peace talks that may help in ending the conflict.

The Trump administration even paused military aid to Ukraine, days after President Zelenskyy got involved in a fiery verbal spat with the US President during their meeting in the White House.