U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that he will impose secondary tariffs ranging from 25% to 50% on Russian oil if Moscow obstructs his efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Trump’s Ultimatum to Russia
In a phone interview with NBC News, Trump expressed anger over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent call for a transitional government in Ukraine, which would exclude President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“If Russia and I cannot reach a deal to stop the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I determine that Russia is at fault—which it may not be—but if I believe Russia is to blame, I will impose secondary tariffs on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump stated.
“These tariffs would mean that if you buy oil from Russia, you cannot do business in the United States. There will be a 25% to 50% tariff on all Russian oil,” he added.
Trump emphasized that these trade measures would be enacted within a month if a ceasefire agreement is not reached.
Ceasefire Agreement in Question
His comments follow the White House’s announcement on March 25 that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to a ceasefire, allowing maritime navigation in the Black Sea and halting attacks on each other’s energy infrastructure. However, challenges remain in implementing the agreement.
Kyiv has insisted that the ceasefire take immediate effect, while Moscow demands partial sanctions relief on Russian companies and banks involved in global food trade before proceeding.
Trump also revealed that he plans to speak with Putin later this week regarding the situation.
Tensions Over Ukraine-U.S. Minerals Agreement
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump also issued a warning to Zelensky regarding Ukraine’s renegotiation of a minerals agreement with the U.S.
“We made a deal on rare earth minerals, and now he wants to renegotiate,” Trump stated. “He wants NATO membership, but he will never be a NATO member. He understands that.”
On March 28, the Ukrainian government confirmed it was reviewing the draft agreement with the U.S. after reports surfaced that Washington had modified its terms multiple times.
Escalation in Kharkiv
Beyond the diplomatic front, Kyiv has accused Moscow of committing a war crime on Sunday after Russian drones struck a military hospital in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city. The attack also targeted a shopping center, apartment buildings, and other civilian structures, killing at least two people, according to local authorities.
