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Recently, Donald Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with Vladimir Putin regarding the slow progress in negotiating a ceasefire with Ukraine. He intimated that secondary tariffs might be imposed on countries purchasing Russian oil should a resolution not be reached. These statements capture the ongoing frustration within the White House towards the Russian president, as discussions over resolving the conflict in Ukraine have yet to yield a significant breakthrough.
The threat to impose tariffs on imports from nations buying Russian oil comes amidst Trump’s preparations to introduce tariffs on goods from many major trading partners of the United States. Scheduled for implementation on Wednesday and referred to by Trump as “liberation day,” this plan has already stirred market instability and anxiety among global businesses and governments.
Trump’s recent criticism of Moscow marks a shift in his tone, as he had previously blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for hesitancy in finalizing a deal. Trump reprimanded Putin for questioning Zelenskyy’s legitimacy as the leader of Kyiv, stating during an NBC News interview that such actions hinder negotiation progress.
Despite Ukraine’s agreement to a U.S.-proposed 30-day comprehensive ceasefire, Russia has only agreed to limit military actions concerning energy infrastructure and maritime operations in the Black Sea, contingent on the lifting of certain agricultural sanctions by the West. Zelenskyy accused Russia of violating the energy ceasefire on multiple occasions, emphasizing that only sustained pressure can compel Russia into peace.
Finland’s President Alexander Stubb, after meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, reported that Trump is losing patience with Putin over the ceasefire. Stubb, who is set to brief British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, suggested setting an April 20 deadline—coinciding with the Easter celebrations of both Western and Eastern Christian churches—for accepting an unconditional 30-day truce.
Discussions between over 30 nations supporting Kyiv were also a topic of recent communication between Trump and the UK leader, with an agreement noted on maintaining pressure on Putin. Additionally, talks of a potential economic agreement between the U.S. and the UK were reported.
With Russia allegedly stalling in the negotiations, Stubb proposed calling out what he perceives as Russia’s unwillingness to pursue peace. He shared the details of his discussions with Trump during a call with Zelenskyy, who emphasized the need for further engagement with the U.S. to force Russia into peace and develop security guarantees post-ceasefire.
Furthermore, Trump reiterated the possibility of imposing secondary sanctions on Russia and other countries that purchase Russian oil, suggesting that the U.S. might restrict their market access in various ways. He also mentioned potential tariffs on Iran if no agreement on its nuclear program is reached, alongside alluding to more severe measures.
Additional reporting was provided by Jim Pickard in London.
