Trump Threatens Tariffs on Russian Oil Amid Frustration Over Ukraine Conflict
In a recent interview, President Trump expressed his anger towards President Putin and announced the possibility of imposing tariffs on Russian oil if Moscow impedes efforts for a resolution in Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that he is "pissed off" at Russian President Vladimir Putin and is considering imposing secondary tariffs ranging from 25% to 50% on buyers of Russian oil if he believes Russia is obstructing efforts to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.
This remark came during a telephone interview with NBC News, where Trump expressed his growing frustration over the lack of progress toward a ceasefire.
Trump's comments follow a recent instance where Putin challenged the credibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s leadership.
The US president has predominantly shifted toward a more conciliatory approach regarding Russia since he took office in January, despite concerns from Western allies about his stance, as he seeks to mediate in the three-year conflict following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
In the NBC News interview, Trump emphasized the potential implementation of tariffs, stating, "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 ...
I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia." He elaborated that any entity purchasing Russian oil would be barred from conducting business in the United States under these proposed tariffs.
Trump indicated that these measures could be enacted within a month.
There has been no immediate response from Moscow regarding Trump's statements.
Russian officials have previously deemed Western sanctions as illegal, accusing them of serving to benefit Western economies at Russia's expense.
While at his estate in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump announced plans to speak with Putin in the coming week.
The Russian government has confirmed that the two leaders have had several discussions, with two officially recognized telephone calls in recent months.
The White House has yet to comment on the timing of Trump's planned communication with Putin or whether he will also converse with Zelenskyy.
Trump's remarks highlight his ongoing commitment to resolving what he termed a "ridiculous" war but acknowledge the difficulties he faces in initiating a productive dialogue.
Amidst this backdrop, concerns have emerged in Kyiv about Trump’s commitment to Ukraine, particularly given his previous statements questioning Zelenskyy's leadership.
On Friday, during a press briefing, Putin suggested the possibility of establishing a temporary administration in Ukraine to facilitate new elections, which could shift power away from Zelenskyy.
Trump's statements and proposed tariffs come as global attention remains focused on the implications of the Ukraine conflict and the broader geopolitical ramifications of the ongoing war.
This remark came during a telephone interview with NBC News, where Trump expressed his growing frustration over the lack of progress toward a ceasefire.
Trump's comments follow a recent instance where Putin challenged the credibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s leadership.
The US president has predominantly shifted toward a more conciliatory approach regarding Russia since he took office in January, despite concerns from Western allies about his stance, as he seeks to mediate in the three-year conflict following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
In the NBC News interview, Trump emphasized the potential implementation of tariffs, stating, "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 ...
I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia." He elaborated that any entity purchasing Russian oil would be barred from conducting business in the United States under these proposed tariffs.
Trump indicated that these measures could be enacted within a month.
There has been no immediate response from Moscow regarding Trump's statements.
Russian officials have previously deemed Western sanctions as illegal, accusing them of serving to benefit Western economies at Russia's expense.
While at his estate in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump announced plans to speak with Putin in the coming week.
The Russian government has confirmed that the two leaders have had several discussions, with two officially recognized telephone calls in recent months.
The White House has yet to comment on the timing of Trump's planned communication with Putin or whether he will also converse with Zelenskyy.
Trump's remarks highlight his ongoing commitment to resolving what he termed a "ridiculous" war but acknowledge the difficulties he faces in initiating a productive dialogue.
Amidst this backdrop, concerns have emerged in Kyiv about Trump’s commitment to Ukraine, particularly given his previous statements questioning Zelenskyy's leadership.
On Friday, during a press briefing, Putin suggested the possibility of establishing a temporary administration in Ukraine to facilitate new elections, which could shift power away from Zelenskyy.
Trump's statements and proposed tariffs come as global attention remains focused on the implications of the Ukraine conflict and the broader geopolitical ramifications of the ongoing war.
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