President Donald Trump has expressed strong frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over stalled peace negotiations concerning Ukraine. In response, Trump has threatened to impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil exports if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire and peace deal within a specified timeframe. He indicated that these tariffs could range between 25% and 50% on all Russian oil.
“If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault — which it might not be — but if I think it was Russia’s fault, I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump told NBC News
Trump’s remarks come after Putin questioned the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and suggested his removal. Despite previously criticizing Zelensky, Trump condemned Putin’s latest stance and emphasized his desire to maintain a good relationship with the Russian leader if progress is made.
The proposed secondary tariffs would target countries purchasing oil from Russia, potentially barring them from conducting business with the United States. This approach aims to pressure Russia into negotiating a ceasefire and finalizing a peace agreement.
These developments have raised concerns among U.S. allies. Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba cautioned that such a stance might lead European nations to halt military aid to Ukraine, jeopardizing its defense efforts.
