Mon Mar 31 10:52:53 UTC 2025: ## Trump Threatens New Sanctions on Russian Oil, Upset by Putin’s Rejection of Zelenskyy

**Washington D.C.** – In a dramatic shift in tone, former President Donald Trump has threatened to impose sweeping secondary tariffs on Russian oil imports if a ceasefire in Ukraine isn’t reached, expressing anger at Vladimir Putin’s dismissal of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s legitimacy. Trump’s announcement, made during a Sunday interview with NBC, marks a departure from his previous, more conciliatory stance towards Moscow.

Trump stated he was “very angry” and “p***** off” over Putin’s questioning of Zelenskyy’s leadership, arguing that any attempt to replace him would only prolong the conflict. While acknowledging a past “very good relationship” with Putin, he insisted the new sanctions would be levied if he deemed Russia responsible for the stalled peace talks. The proposed tariffs would target countries purchasing Russian oil, potentially impacting major importers like India and China, with a 25-50% levy on all oil imports from these countries into the US.

This threat of “secondary tariffs,” targeting countries trading with sanctioned entities, differs from existing secondary sanctions. While secondary sanctions prohibit trade in specific goods, secondary tariffs would impose additional levies on imports, potentially having severe economic ramifications for nations like India and China, which rely heavily on discounted Russian crude. Experts, however, question the effectiveness and likelihood of these sanctions, citing Trump’s past inconsistent approach to Russia.

The conflict in Ukraine remains central to this escalating situation. Despite previous attempts at negotiation, including a 30-day ceasefire proposal, Russia has so far declined to agree. Putin’s suggestion of a UN-supervised interim government in Ukraine has been rejected. Trump’s previous public criticism of Zelenskyy adds a layer of complexity to his current stance.

The potential impact on global oil markets is significant. The disruption of Russian oil supplies and the imposition of tariffs could drive up prices worldwide, affecting both importing and exporting countries. The global implications of Trump’s threat are substantial and its actual implementation remains uncertain.

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