Trump issues a warning about 25 percent US tariffs on Russian oil, calling on Putin to end the bloodshed in Ukraine amid a tense diplomatic standoff.
US President Donald Trump expressed his frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, threatening to impose secondary sanctions on Russian oil unless Moscow agrees to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
“If Russia and I can’t reach an agreement to stop the bloodshed in Ukraine, and I believe it’s Russia’s fault – which may or may not be the case – I will impose secondary tariffs on all oil coming from Russia,” Trump stated during an NBC interview on Sunday.
He indicated that the 25 percent tariffs could be implemented at any moment, and mentioned plans to speak with Putin later this week.
Reports indicate that Trump felt “angry and frustrated” when the Russian president began to question the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and suggested the possibility of new leadership in Ukraine.
On Thursday, Putin proposed establishing a temporary administration in Ukraine under United Nations supervision, a suggestion that was quickly dismissed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Russian officials have consistently undermined Zelenskyy’s legitimacy, highlighting that no elections have occurred since his term expired.
Due to the ongoing martial law enacted since Russia’s invasion three years ago, there has been no scheduled vote in Ukraine, as the constitution prohibits elections under such circumstances.
There was no immediate reaction from Moscow regarding Trump’s statements. Russia has previously labeled various Western sanctions and restrictions as “illegal,” claiming they are intended to gain economic leverage in its rivalry with the West.
Trump’s comments came after a weekend spent in meetings and golfing with Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
According to Stubb’s office, he advised Trump that a deadline should be established for a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire to be effective, suggesting April 20, when Trump would have been in office for three months.
In separate discussions, US officials are urging Kyiv to accept a critical minerals agreement, which reportedly demands a share of all of Ukraine’s natural resource income for several years. Zelenskyy mentioned that his legal team needed to review the draft before he could provide further comments.
Last week, Trump introduced what he referred to as a 25 percent secondary tariff on US imports from any country purchasing oil or gas from Venezuela.
His comments on Sunday indicate that he might pursue similar actions against US imports from nations that acquire oil from Russia, a move that could significantly impact China and India.
Trump acknowledged that Putin is aware of his anger but noted that he has “a very good relationship with him,” adding that “the anger dissipates quickly … if he does the right thing.”
