In a dramatic twist to the ongoing Ukraine conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump has raised the stakes by warning of steep secondary tariffs on buyers of Russian oil. In a recent telephone interview with NBC News, Trump expressed his frustration in no uncertain terms, stating he was "pissed off" after Russian President Vladimir Putin questioned the credibility of Ukrainian leadership. The president warned that if Moscow is found blocking efforts to broker a ceasefire, buyers could face tariffs ranging from 25 to 50 percent.
This move comes as part of a series of assertive trade measures. Since taking office, Trump has used tariffs as a strategic tool, having already imposed duties on imports from various nations. His latest threats are set against a backdrop of growing international pressure to end hostilities in Ukraine, with meetings involving influential figures like Finnish President Alexander Stubb urging the setting of a definitive deadline for peace talks.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials are exploring a critical minerals agreement with Kyiv, while discussions between Washington and Moscow have opened doors to potential economic cooperation in exploring rare earth metal deposits. The multifaceted negotiations underscore the intricate balance of global trade and politics, where economic measures are increasingly intertwined with efforts to resolve enduring conflicts.
Experts caution that the hasty announcement of these new tariffs could send shockwaves through global markets, raising questions about monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. As diplomatic dialogues continue and trade policies evolve, the world watches closely to see how these high-stakes moves will influence the broader geopolitical landscape.
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Trump threatens new Russia tariffs as pressure grows to end conflict
cgtn.com
