Trump Threatens Tariffs on Russia

Trump threatens high tariffs on Russia
Economic pressure on Russia
Peace in Ukraine conditional

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning on Monday to Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Efe and BBC.

He threatened to impose indirect tariffs of roughly 100% if a peace agreement in Ukraine is not achieved within 50 days.

The warning was delivered at the start of a meeting in the Oval Office with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, amid high tensions due to the intensification of Russian bombings on Ukrainian territory.

“One of the reasons you’re here today is because I’m very unhappy with Russia,” Trump said in front of cameras, displaying growing impatience with Putin’s refusal to scale back his military offensive.

Trump Threatens Tariffs on Russia

🔴 #BREAKING Trump announces 100% tariffs on Russia if there’s no agreement to end the war in Ukraine within 50 days https://t.co/NLnXq53iI3

— ABC.es (@abc_es) July 14, 2025

Trump detailed that his administration is preparing “very severe” tariffs for Russia that could reach 100%, which he described as “secondary tariffs.”

This term refers to duties imposed on companies or countries that maintain trade with the sanctioned nation—in this case, Russia.

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The warning represents a clear hardening in Trump’s tone toward Moscow after months of attempts to open direct dialogue channels with Putin in search of a diplomatic solution to the conflict to reach peace in Ukraine, which has dragged on for more than two years.

The shift in the White House’s stance became clear when Trump asserted: “We’re going to impose very severe tariffs if we don’t reach an agreement in 50 days,” making it evident that his patience with the Kremlin is running out quickly.

Trump’s Ultimatum for a Peace Deal

📌 Trump threatens 100% tariffs on Russia if there’s no deal to end the war in Ukraine within 50 days.

Reports @EdwinPitti https://t.co/GbqSaRt5RG

— Univision Noticias (@UniNoticias) July 14, 2025

During his meeting with Rutte, it’s also expected that details will be finalized for the shipment of advanced Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine, whose funding, according to Trump, would be covered by the European Union.

The decision aims to bolster Ukraine’s air defenses amid intense Russian bombings, aligning with NATO’s strategy to strengthen Kyiv’s military capabilities without involving Western troops directly on the ground.

The verbal escalation comes after weeks of growing tension and a phone call on July 3rd which, according to sources close to the U.S. government, marked a turning point.

In that conversation, Putin reportedly told Trump explicitly that he would not give up his objectives in Ukraine, which allegedly enraged the U.S. president and triggered his tariffs threat on Russia.

Failed Talks and Mounting Pressure

It’s worth recalling that in April, Trump had announced a package of global economic sanctions but left Russia out, justifying that the country was already under heavy financial sanctions.

However, the lack of progress in negotiations for peace in Ukraine and the intensification of Russian attacks have pressured the U.S. administration to ramp up diplomatic and economic pressure.

In recent weeks, Trump had vaguely suggested he might impose additional sanctions if Putin didn’t agree to a deal, but this is the first time he has set a specific amount and a firm deadline.

The threat of 100% tariffs adds a new layer of tension to the already fragile bilateral relationship and serves as a clear warning that Washington is prepared to use its economic power to try to force a cessation of hostilities.