President Trump Threatens Tariffs on Russian Oil Over Stalled Ukraine Peace Talks

President Trump expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over stalled cease-fire talks, threatening harsh tariffs on Russian oil if progress isn’t made soon. Speaking to NBC News, Trump warned of secondary tariffs on all Russian oil exports, stating that any country buying from Moscow could face restrictions in doing business with the U.S. The warning comes after Putin reportedly proposed a transitional government in Ukraine that would remove President Volodymyr Zelensky, an idea Trump condemned as “not going in the right location.” Despite his anger, Trump emphasized his “very good relationship” with Putin but insisted action would follow if the Russian leader “does the right thing.”

The U.S. has been pushing for a cease-fire as part of President Trump’s campaign promise to end the war, securing two recent agreements to protect energy infrastructure and trade routes in the Black Sea. However, Russia quickly violated both deals and issued new demands, including the lifting of European sanctions. The back-and-forth has drawn criticism from within Trump’s party, with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell warning that giving in to Moscow’s conditions would weaken U.S. credibility and embolden adversaries. President Trump and Putin are expected to speak again this week in another attempt to move negotiations forward.

MarsLink News Source: Full Story NY Post