Russian officials reacted strongly to the Trump administration’s recent threat of “severe” tariffs aimed at Moscow unless a peace agreement with Ukraine was reached promptly.
“Trump has issued a dramatic ultimatum to the Kremlin, leaving the world anxious about what will happen next,” remarked Dmitry Medvedev, vice-chairman of Russia’s Security Council, in a post on the social platform X.
“Europe, which is feeling the strain, is disappointed. Russia isn’t fazed,” Medvedev added, having previously served as both president and prime minister.
Recently, President Trump described his discontent with Russian President Vladimir Putin, particularly over the ongoing military actions in Ukraine. He has sought to pressure Russia into negotiations by providing Ukraine with military support while threatening potential sanctions, including imposing tariffs as high as 100% on countries engaging in trade with Moscow.
“We are quite unhappy with Russia,” the president stated during a meeting with Mark Latte, the White House Executive Director for NATO.
“Ukraine is eager to take action,” Trump mentioned later on.
“It’s all just a story, until a missile hits Kiev and takes 60 lives,” he continued. “This has to end. It must stop.”
On Monday, Senators Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) celebrated after Trump’s warning of stricter sanctions against Russia. The two had previously introduced a law intending to implement “primary” and “secondary” sanctions on Moscow if peace talks were to stall.
Despite this, market reactions were somewhat indifferent. The Moscow Stock Exchange showed a 2.7% increase on Tuesday, reflecting a general lack of concern that Trump might follow through on his threats.
China, Brazil, and India, which heavily depend on Russian oil, are expected to be most affected by any new tariffs.
Graham commended Trump’s stance as a clear message against Putin’s military efforts.
“If we keep purchasing cheap Russian oil and gas to fuel Putin’s operations, President Trump will enforce 100% tariffs on all goods arriving in the U.S. unless Russia alters its behavior,” said the senator from South Carolina in remarks shared externally.
“I predict they will approach Putin and urge him to negotiate,” he concluded.
