Trump Threatens Secondary Tariffs on Russian Oil Amid Ukraine Ceasefire Stalemate
President Trump threatened secondary tariffs of 25%-50% on buyers of Russian oil if Moscow obstructs ceasefire efforts in Ukraine, following criticisms of Putin’s remarks on Zelenskiy's leadership.
Published on March 31, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump, on March 30, 2025, expressed mounting frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin after Putin questioned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's leadership. Trump warned that if Moscow continues to block efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine, secondary tariffs ranging from 25% to 50% could be imposed on buyers of Russian oil. This warning comes as part of a broader strategy that also includes new tariffs on steel, aluminum, and cars, as well as measures targeting nations that purchase oil from countries like Venezuela.
Additional market reactions noted by Reuters on March 31, 2025, indicate that despite these threats, oil prices have shown signs of easing amid concerns over global growth and energy demand. There is also a growing focus on the diplomatic and economic implications of these tariffs, especially considering the responses expected from major oil importers like China and India. Meanwhile, U.S. efforts to broker new deals, including a critical minerals agreement with Ukraine, continue to unfold in an increasingly complex international landscape.