President Donald Trump has expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s handling of the ceasefire in Ukraine, threatening to impose tariffs on Moscow’s oil exports if a truce is not reached within a month. In a telephone interview with NBC News, Trump discussed the possibility of levying a 25% or 50% tariff on countries buying Russian oil as a way to pressure Putin.
The US president’s comments came after Putin suggested placing Ukraine under a temporary UN-led government to facilitate fresh elections, which angered Trump. He also warned Iran that if they do not make a deal to curb their nuclear weapons program, there would be significant consequences, including bombing unlike anything they have seen before.
Trump’s remark about imposing tariffs on Russian oil exports is a unique tactic that follows similar actions taken against Venezuela. The measures proposed could have significant implications, especially since Russian oil exports are already subject to numerous sanctions.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb indicated that he may have influenced Trump’s decision during a visit to Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Stubb emphasized the need for a ceasefire deadline and consequences for violating it during their discussions. Trump’s interventions and tough stance on Russia, Ukraine, and Iran come amidst challenges within his administration, including a leak of sensitive information regarding potential attacks on Houthi rebels in Yemen.
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