U.S. President Donald Trump warned he could impose 25% to 50% secondary tariffs on countries buying Russian oil if Russia continues to block peace efforts in Ukraine. In an interview with NBC News, Trump expressed anger at Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing recent criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy by the Kremlin.
Since taking office in January, Trump has adopted a softer tone toward Russia, raising concerns among Western allies. However, his comments Sunday reflect rising frustration over the lack of progress in ending the war, which began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
“If I think Russia is to blame for stalling peace, there will be secondary tariffs,” Trump stated. “Anyone buying Russian oil could face 25% to 50% tariffs and be barred from doing business in the U.S.”
Trump also criticized Zelenskiy, accusing him of trying to renegotiate a critical minerals agreement and calling Ukraine’s NATO membership unrealistic. He noted that while he remains frustrated with Putin, progress is possible “if he does the right thing.”
There was no immediate response from Moscow. Russia has previously condemned Western sanctions as politically motivated.
India and China, the largest buyers of Russian crude, could be significantly impacted. India alone sourced 35% of its crude imports from Russia in 2024. The U.S. itself has not imported Russian oil since April 2022.
Trump’s remarks came after meetings with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who proposed setting an April 20 deadline for a ceasefire. Trump also hinted at similar sanctions on Iranian oil buyers if no progress is made on halting Iran’s nuclear weapons program.
The announcement adds to Trump’s recent tariff moves targeting countries with major trade surpluses, including those purchasing oil from sanctioned nations like Venezuela.


Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility
China Overturns Death Sentence of Canadian Robert Schellenberg, Signaling Thaw in Canada-China Relations
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.-Iran Talks Ease Middle East Tensions
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record
US Pushes Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks Before Summer Amid Escalating Attacks
Trump Congratulates Japan’s First Female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi After Historic Election Victory
Trump Backs Nexstar–Tegna Merger Amid Shifting U.S. Media Landscape
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality
Taiwan Says Moving 40% of Semiconductor Production to the U.S. Is Impossible
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Secures Historic Election Win, Shaking Markets and Regional Politics
Trump Slams Super Bowl Halftime Show Featuring Bad Bunny
Trump Allows Commercial Fishing in Protected New England Waters
U.S. Lawmakers to Review Unredacted Jeffrey Epstein DOJ Files Starting Monday
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 



