President Donald Trump announced on March 30 that he would impose secondary tariffs ranging from 25% to 50% on all Russian oil within a month if he believes Russia is obstructing his efforts to negotiate a cease-fire in Ukraine.
In a phone interview with NBC News on Sunday—of which the full transcript or audio has not yet been released—Trump expressed frustration over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s remarks questioning the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s leadership. Trump stated that he intends to speak with Putin later this week.
Trump’s Stance on the War in Ukraine
Since his campaign last year, Trump has consistently vowed to end what he has called a “ridiculous” war in Ukraine, making it a focal point of his administration since assuming office in January. He has also criticized Ukraine’s martial law and election suspensions, at one point calling Zelenskyy a “dictator” and advocating for new elections in Ukraine.
On March 29, Putin reinforced his stance that Zelenskyy’s presidency is illegitimate, suggesting that Ukraine should be placed under temporary administration to facilitate new elections and sign key agreements—effectively pushing for Zelenskyy’s removal from power.
Trump’s Tariff Threat on Russian Oil
In his conversation with NBC News, Trump emphasized his willingness to take economic action against Russia if a cease-fire agreement is not reached.
“If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault … I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump reportedly stated.
“If you buy oil from Russia, you can’t do business in the United States. There will be a 25% tariff on all oil—a 25% to 50% tariff on all oil.”
Trump indicated that these tariffs could take effect within a month if cease-fire negotiations fail.
Despite acknowledging Putin’s frustration with him, Trump downplayed tensions, stating, “I have a very good relationship with [Putin] … anger dissipates quickly if he does the right thing.”
Finland’s Call for a Cease-Fire Deadline
Finnish President Alexander Stubb also weighed in on the situation, urging the U.S. to establish a clear deadline for brokering a cease-fire in Ukraine.
“April 20 would be a good time for a full cease-fire without any conditions … because a deadline is needed, because it is Easter, and because President Donald Trump will have been in office for three months,” Stubb told Finnish reporters in London on Sunday.
A day earlier, Stubb made an unannounced visit to Trump’s residence in Florida, where the two leaders discussed U.S.-Finland relations and strategies for ending the war in Ukraine—while also playing a round of golf, according to a statement from Stubb’s office.
