US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, threatening steep secondary tariffs on Russian oil if Moscow does not cooperate in brokering a ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump, in a Sunday interview, expressed his anger over Russia’s stance on the ongoing conflict, calling out Putin for undermining Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s leadership.
A Tense Relationship with High Stakes
Trump, known for his unpredictability on foreign policy, made it clear that his frustration with Putin is mounting. Speaking to NBC News from his Florida estate, he did not hold back.
“He knows I’m pissed off,” Trump said. “But I’ve had a very good relationship with him. The anger dissipates quickly… if he does the right thing.”
The remarks come at a critical time as efforts to negotiate a peace deal in Ukraine have stalled. The war, now entering its fourth year since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has left thousands dead and strained relations between global superpowers.
Economic Pressure as a Negotiating Tool
Trump’s threat to impose secondary tariffs ranging from 25% to 50% on Russian oil is a dramatic escalation. The policy would target nations that continue to buy oil from Moscow, effectively forcing them to choose between doing business with Russia or the US.
“If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault … I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump warned.
The impact of such a measure could be profound, given that Russia relies heavily on energy exports to sustain its economy. A significant share of its oil revenues comes from sales to China, India, and Turkey—countries that have continued to engage with Moscow despite Western sanctions.
Putin’s Position and Possible Responses
The Kremlin has yet to formally respond to Trump’s comments, but Putin has historically resisted economic pressure. In recent months, Russia has worked to circumvent Western sanctions by increasing energy sales to Asia and engaging in shadow shipping to transport crude.
Trump’s remarks, however, put Moscow in a difficult position. If Russia continues to back separatist forces in Ukraine and rejects a ceasefire deal, it risks further economic isolation. But conceding to Trump’s demands could be seen as a loss for Putin, who has framed the war as a struggle against Western dominance.
One senior Russian official, speaking anonymously to state media, dismissed the threat, calling it “another attempt at economic blackmail.” But behind the scenes, Moscow may be weighing its options carefully.
Global Markets Brace for Impact
Oil markets reacted swiftly to Trump’s statement, with Brent crude futures rising 2% in early trading on Monday. Analysts warn that any escalation in US-Russia tensions could send oil prices soaring, further complicating global inflation concerns.
Some traders fear that a sudden restriction on Russian oil could lead to supply shocks, particularly in Europe and Asia. Others argue that Trump’s threat is a negotiating tactic rather than an immediate policy shift.
- Energy experts believe that if Trump follows through, nations importing Russian oil—such as India—would face difficult choices, as losing access to US markets could be costly.
- The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that Russia exported over 4 million barrels per day in February 2025, making it a key player in global supply chains.
- Sanctions have already forced Moscow to offer deep discounts on crude, but additional tariffs could squeeze its revenues even further.
What’s Next?
Trump has signaled plans to speak with Putin later this week, a conversation that could determine the next phase of US-Russia relations. Whether the tariff threat turns into actual policy depends on how the talks unfold.
For now, the message is clear: Trump is willing to use economic pressure to force Russia’s hand on Ukraine. Whether it works remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—global markets and geopolitical alliances hang in the balance.
