Trump threatens secondary tariffs on Russian oil if unable to make deal on Ukraine

Trump threatens secondary tariffs on Russian oil if efforts to end Ukraine war are blocked, starting within a month.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday (March 30, 2025) he will impose secondary tariffs of 25% to 50% on all Russian oil if he feels Moscow is blocking his efforts to end the war in Ukraine, and they could start within a month if there is no ceasefire.

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Mr. Trump told NBC News he was angry and "pissed off" when Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the credibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's leadership, NBC reported.

Mr. Trump told NBC News by phone that he planned to speak with Mr. Putin this week.

During his 2024 presidential campaign, Mr. Trump promised repeatedly to end what he calls a "ridiculous" war in Ukraine, and he has focused heavily on the issue since taking office on January 20. Mr. Trump himself has called for new elections in Ukraine and falsely called Mr. Zelenskyy a dictator.

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Mr. Putin on Friday suggested Ukraine could be placed under a form of temporary administration to allow for new elections and the signature of key accords, which could effectively push out Mr. Zelenskyy.