Trump threatens new Russia tariffs as pressure grows to end conflict

 

U.S. President Donald Trump warned he could impose 25-50% secondary tariffs on buyers of Russian oil if he believes Moscow is obstructing his efforts to end the Ukraine conflict. Trump, frustrated by slow ceasefire progress, also plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week.

Putin recently suggested Ukraine undergo temporary administration to facilitate new elections. Meanwhile, Trump met with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who proposed an April 20 deadline for a ceasefire. The U.S. is also negotiating a critical minerals deal with Ukraine, while Russia has offered Washington a future economic partnership on rare earth metals, with potential talks in mid-April.

Trump’s trade policies continue to disrupt global markets, as he recently imposed a 25% tariff on countries buying Venezuelan oil. He also threatened secondary sanctions on buyers of Iranian oil unless Tehran agrees to end its nuclear weapons program. Iran rejected direct talks but remains open to indirect negotiations.

Source – CGTN