U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering the introduction of secondary tariffs on Russian oil in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine and recent remarks made by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
According to NBC News, Trump voiced his frustration with Putin during a private conversation with NBC anchor Kristen Welker.
“Just a few hours ago, President Trump called me and said he was ‘angry’ at Putin and threatened to impose additional tariffs on Russian oil,” Welker stated.
Trump’s warning comes after Putin made comments critical of Ukraine's leadership and continued to show no signs of de-escalation.
According to NBC, Trump said that if a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine cannot be reached, and if he determines that Russia is to blame, the U.S. will implement secondary tariffs.
“If we cannot make a deal with Russia to stop the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I believe it’s Russia’s fault—though it may not be—but if I believe it is, I will impose secondary tariffs on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump said.
He further explained that the tariffs would target not just direct imports, but also third-party buyers of Russian oil:
“If Russia does not agree to end the war, I will impose secondary tariffs on all Russian oil. That means if you buy Russian oil, you cannot do business with the United States.”
NBC News reported that Trump was particularly irritated by Putin’s recent suggestion that Ukraine needs new leadership, a comment the U.S. president described as unconstructive.
This latest development comes amid growing international concern over Russia’s long-term military intentions.
According to a joint report by Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service and the Bundeswehr, cited by BILD, Russia is preparing for a potential large-scale conflict with NATO by 2030. The report claims that Moscow is rebuilding its forces, expanding its defense industry, and planning increased troop presence near NATO’s eastern borders—even while continuing operations in Ukraine.
