**Byline: National Correspondent**

In a dramatic escalation of geopolitical tensions, former President Donald Trump has threatened to plunge the world into a global trade war, signaling potentially dire ramifications for international relations. During a recent press conference, Trump vowed to impose severe tariffs and sanctions on both Russia and China, specifically targeting their involvement in the ongoing Ukraine conflict and economic practices deemed unfair by the U.S.

Trump's aggressive stance comes in the wake of escalating tensions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with the former president stating, "We are not going to sit idly by as Putin undermines global stability." He proposed a series of punitive measures, including taxes on Russian goods and heavy tariffs on Chinese imports, positioning these moves as necessary steps to protect American interests.

Critics argue that such threats could lead to a tit-for-tat trade escalation, disrupting markets and harming consumers. European allies are expressing concern about the potential fallout, as Trump's go-it-alone approach mirrors the kind of unilateral actions that have strained transatlantic relations in the past.

As the world teeters on the brink of both an economic and military standoff, analysts warn that Trump's threats could have lasting implications, potentially dragging nations into a conflict that extends far beyond trade disputes. With tensions mounting, the global community watches closely – the specter of war looms larger than ever.