‘Time to Make a Deal’: Trump Threatens New Trade Restrictions on Russia Over Ukraine War
President Donald Trump has warned Russia of severe economic consequences if the ongoing war in Ukraine continues. Trump posted on Truth Social Wednesday that he would impose “high levels of Taxes, Tariffs, and Sanctions” on Russian imports to the US and other participating nations if parties fail to reach a peace deal soon.
Trump referenced his “very good relationship” with Putin and characterized the threat as doing Russia a “very big FAVOR,” warning that conditions “IT’S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE” without resolution. He previously claimed that he could resolve the war within 24 hours as president.
Russian trade with the US has plunged since the 2022 invasion. US imports from Russia fell from $29.6 billion in 2021 to $14.4 billion in 2022, then dropped to $2.8 billion in 2024. Oils, minerals, and cement constitute nearly 60% of Russian imports to the US in 2021, along with stone, glass, iron, steel, and agricultural products.
Trump expanded his threat to other BRICS nations, proposing 100% tariffs in November on countries including India, China, and Iran if they attempt to replace the dollar in international trade. He has also threatened 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, and 10% on China by February 1.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told Ukraine’s public broadcaster in November the war would “end faster” under a Trump administration. Putin indicated willingness to discuss peace terms with Trump while maintaining his territorial claims. Zelensky’s peace plan requires Russia to restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity and withdraw all troops.
Trump said a deal could happen “the easy way, or the hard way,” though he did not specify what the “hard way” would entail. “NO MORE LIVES SHOULD BE LOST!!!” he concluded.
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