U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his anger towards Russian President Vladimir Putin following Putin's remarks questioning the credibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In a phone conversation with NBC News this Sunday, Trump stated, "If Russia and I cannot reach an agreement to stop the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I determine it’s Russia’s fault—which it might not be—but if I do, I will impose secondary tariffs on oil, primarily on Russian oil exports."
Trump indicated that he might consider implementing secondary tariffs on Russian oil or even sanctions against nations purchasing oil from Russia if an agreement with Putin cannot be reached "to halt the bloodshed in Ukraine." He elaborated, "This means if you buy oil from Russia, you can't do business in the United States; there will be a 25 percent tariff on all oil, ranging from 25 to 50 percentage points." Trump also mentioned his plans to speak with Putin later this week.
These statements came after Putin's call this past Friday for a "transitional administration" in Ukraine as a condition for ending the conflict. The Kremlin's leader vowed that his military would "finish" Ukrainian forces, while Trump pushes for a ceasefire.
In a televised address, Putin reiterated his stance that Zelensky lacks legitimacy, claiming that his term expired last year. Despite the fact that Ukrainians elect presidents for five-year terms, Zelensky's term, which was supposed to end in May 2024, has been extended due to martial law imposed because of the Russian invasion.
According to a report from AFP, this was described as a "renewed call" to overthrow the Ukrainian leader and install a government in Kiev more aligned with Moscow's interests.
Just hours after discussions between Putin and Trump over a potential 30-day truce to halt attacks on energy facilities, Ukraine faced a surge of bombings. In Slovyansk, located in the Donetsk region, a Russian attack devastated parts of the electrical grid, leaving thousands without power. Meanwhile, in Kramatorsk, explosions in residential areas caused significant damage and widespread panic among residents.
Impact of Russian-Ukrainian Conflict
What were Trump's proposed measures against Russian oil?
Trump proposed imposing secondary tariffs on Russian oil, potentially ranging from 25 to 50 percent, if an agreement with Russia to stop the Ukrainian conflict isn't reached.
What conditions has Putin set for ending the war in Ukraine?
Putin has demanded the establishment of a "transitional administration" in Ukraine as a precondition for ending the war.
How has the conflict affected Ukrainian infrastructure?
Recent Russian attacks have severely damaged Ukraine's electrical grid in Slovyansk, and explosions in Kramatorsk have caused significant destruction and panic.