Trump Threatens Tariffs on Russia Over Ukraine Ceasefire Negotiations
Donald Trump has expressed strong dissatisfaction with Vladimir Putin’s actions regarding the Ukraine conflict, threatening significant tariffs on Russian oil unless a ceasefire is reached in the coming month. Trump’s comments signal a shift in approach, emphasizing the need for pressure on the Kremlin while managing relations with Ukraine and Iran amidst ongoing negotiations and military tensions.
Donald Trump expressed his frustration with Vladimir Putin regarding the ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine, stating he is “pissed off” with the Russian leader. He threatened to impose tariffs on Russia’s oil exports—potentially up to 50%—if a truce is not reached within a month. In an NBC News interview, Trump stated, “If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed, I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil.”
The shift in Trump’s stance follows Putin’s comments about undermining Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s credibility, which angered Trump. He claimed such remarks deter negotiations and expressed that new Ukrainian leadership indicates prolonged peace discussions. Trump stated he wants to pressure the Kremlin for a ceasefire solution, which has only seen limited agreements on maritime and energy issues thus far.
Trump reiterated the potential secondary sanctions on Russia’s oil but noted he would be willing to rescind them if progress is made. He emphasized that his anger would “dissipate quickly” if Putin takes the appropriate actions towards a ceasefire. Additionally, he discussed the impact of similar tariffs on Venezuela and mentioned that sanctions are a viable alternative if Iran does not agree on nuclear weapons constraints.
Russian oil is already under severe sanctions from multiple Western nations, complicating the ramifications of Trump’s tariff proposals. The effectiveness of the new measures remains uncertain. Finnish President Alexander Stubb indicated that Trump’s approach was influenced by his recent meetings with him, pushing for a ceasefire deadline by Easter. Stubb urged for maximum sanctions if Russia violates this ceasefire.
In past remarks, Trump claimed that he could resolve the Ukraine conflict swiftly, although recent complexities in negotiations reveal the challenge ahead. Reports suggest Kyiv previously agreed to a 30-day ceasefire contingent upon receiving intelligence and military assistance from Washington. Putin continues to express that any ceasefire should address the underlying causes of the conflict, which he claims involve demands for Ukraine’s demilitarization and territorial considerations.
Recent military engagements have resulted in casualties from Russian strikes in Ukraine. Trump also accused Zelenskyy of attempting to backtrack on agreements regarding minerals, signaling potential tensions over a minerals deal concerning rare earths. Zelenskyy has publicly noted that negotiations with the US concerning the deal have been inconsistent, expressing a desire not to appear against the arrangement.
Compounding the issues for the US administration, recent leaks of sensitive discussions concerning military actions against Houthi rebels in Yemen occurred due to unauthorized messaging app communications by officials, highlighting internal communication challenges.
In summary, Donald Trump’s recent statements regarding the Ukraine situation indicate significant discontent with Putin’s actions and a willingness to utilize tariffs and sanctions to influence outcomes. His proposed tariffs on Russian oil exports could exert additional pressure on Moscow to agree to a ceasefire. While navigating his complex relationship with both Ukraine and Iran, the ongoing conflict remains fraught with challenges and uncertainties, particularly concerning the legitimacy of agreements and regional stability.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
