It has been warned by former US President Donald Trump that he would impose secondary tariffs of between 25% and 50% on all Russian oil if he feels that Moscow is hindering efforts to bring a close to the war in Ukraine. Interviewed by NBC News on Sunday, Trump told that the tariffs may become active within one month if the ceasefire does not happen.
Embracing his displeasure, Trump stated that he was “pissed off” when the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, doubted the veracity of the leadership of the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He also clarified intentions to address Putin within a week.
During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly vowed to close what he refers to as a “ridiculous” war in Ukraine. Since the start of his term on January 20, he has ramped up his attention on the war. He has also called for fresh elections in Ukraine, even inaccurately referring to Zelenskyy as a dictator.
Putin, in a Friday statement, proposed Ukraine be put under temporary administration to allow for elections and the signing of major agreements, which could see Zelenskyy ousted from office.
If Russia and I can’t come to an agreement to end the bloodshed, and if I think Russia is responsible, I will impose secondary tariffs on all Russian oil,” Trump said. He explained that any nation buying Russian oil would be excluded from doing business in the US and would be charged tariffs of 25% to 50%.
Trump went on to say that Putin knows how frustrated he is but said, “I have a very good relationship with him, and the anger dissipates quickly if he does the right thing.”
